A Lowestoft school has raised more than £4,000 for the nook appeal through a colour dash run, exceeding their target by 10 times.

Eastern Daily Press: The colour dash at Elm Tree Primary Academy in Lowestoft. Picture: EACH.The colour dash at Elm Tree Primary Academy in Lowestoft. Picture: EACH. (Image: Archant)

The run at Elm Tree Primary Academy saw 360 pupils taking part, creating a huge, multi-colourful event and an impressive final sum of £4,006.

And prior to their colour dash, pupils ran their own tombolas, pick'n'mix sales and other events for the cause.

The nook appeal is being run by East Anglia's Children Hospices (EACH) to raise £10m for the new hospice building in Framingham Earl. The nook schools project has been set up in support in hope that schools will raise at least £400 towards the cost of a soft play room.

Eastern Daily Press: Pupils from Elm Tree Primary Academy presenting the cheque to EACH Norfolk Community Fundraiser Tim Jenkins. Picture: EACH.Pupils from Elm Tree Primary Academy presenting the cheque to EACH Norfolk Community Fundraiser Tim Jenkins. Picture: EACH. (Image: Archant)

Pupils learnt about the nook appeal at the end of June, when EACH Norfolk Community Fundraiser Tim Jenkins hosted an assembly.

Mr Jenkins said: 'The support from Elm Tree has been immense. This is down to the great teaching staff, especially (Year 2 teacher) James Hunton who's the driving force behind it all. We'd like to say a big thank you!

'The nook schools project is a really great opportunity for schools across Norfolk to play their part in helping build what will be a truly amazing place for children and families going through the hardest of journeys. There are so many ways to get to the £400 target, from sponsored walks, reads or runs to fayres, shows and other specially-themed events. If you're from a school and thinking about getting involved, please don't hesitate to get in touch for a chat.'

EACH has been hosting a colour dash series across the region since 2014, raising many thousands of pounds. Colour dashes are fun runs – the 'fun' aspect being that participants are showered with clouds of coloured powder paint as they run.

EACH's current hospice in Quidenham has been running for more than 25 years and there is no option to expand the site. The nook will provide a purpose-built facility to meet the charity's increasing demands of services and more complex needs of the children and young people they care for.

EACH needs to raise £10m to make the vision a reality.

To get involved with the nook schools project, call Mr Jenkins on 01953 666772 or email tim.jenkins@each.org.uk.

For more information about the nook appeal, visit www.each.org.uk/thenook.