HALESOWEN schoolchildren are on their way to adding another wheelchair to The Big Push campaign.

Pupils from Huntingtree Primary School have completed two out of three fundraising events in their bid to raise £600 for the cause.

The campaign aims to raise £30,000 to buy 50 new wheelchairs for Russells Hall Hospital.

Last month, the school kicked off their fundraising with a coffee morning and cake sale which bagged more than £170.

Jim Harrold, headteacher, said: “The pupils, parents and staff at Huntingtree Primary School are delighted to be working together to support The Big Push.

“We are all very aware of the vital role that Russells Hall Hospital plays in the lives of so many members of our local community and we are all determined to do what we can to ensure those in need of wheelchairs, when visiting the hospital, have them.

“We are delighted to see the support the campaign has had so far and a glad we can do our bit too.”

Last week, pupils got their trainers on for five days of sponsored walking, when pupils and teachers would take it in turned so at least one member of the school was walking on a track from first thing Monday to last thing Friday.

Mr Harrold added: “The thinking behind it was to appreciate how lucky we are to be able to walk unaided and to reflect on what it would be like for people if they attended the hospital and didn't have the wheelchairs they needed.

“This is the second event of The Big Push events for us. Next, we are having the lucky dip toy sale and then we will plan more events as needed – hopefully across the academic year.

“We have a Big Push thermometer displayed near our main hall where children can see how far we are along the journey to our target.”

The campaign has also received a £600 donation from David Edge of Rowley Regis, who has sponsored a wheelchair in loving memory of his wife Margaret Ann Edge, née Tromans.

Mr Edge made the donation ahead of their wedding anniversary on Friday, October 20.

We have also received a cheque for £100 from the Cole Street Methodist Church's Wives Group in Netherton, who decided to support the cause during their AGM.

To date, The Big Push has raised £13,116 - enough for 21 wheelchairs.

If you want to make a donation, you can call into our offices at St John’s House in St John's Road, Stourbridge, and give cash or cheques - cheques need to be made payable to Dudley Group NHS Charity/Wheelchairs.

Alternatively, visit www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/dghc/wheelchairs to make a donation online or text NEWS66 and an amount of £2, £5 or £10 to 70070.