A LITTLE boy who loved the outdoors has been remembered by his schoolmates who have completed the equivalent of 18 marathons in his honour.

Sam Hardy was aged just six when he died after receiving a leukaemia diagnosis during his nursery years spent in Darlington.

Despite his illness, the youngster enjoyed learning with his classmates at the West Park Academy, in Darlington, until his untimely death in January 2016.

Since then, pupils, parents and staff at the school have pledged to remember Sam to pay tribute to their much-missed friend and have raised £1,300 for Cancer Research UK.

More than 470 schoolchildren walked, jogged or ran in aid of a fundraiser which set them on a three-lap course around the school’s yard and playing fields on a one-mile route.

Each sponsored pupil had a quick warm-up before taking their first steps into the challenge and were rewarded with a Race for Life medal after crossing the finish line.

West Park Day Nursery children also took part in a toddle waddle across the playground.

Principal Samantha Hirst said: “With the money raised from our race and a donation from the proceeds of our Easter Fair we have so far raised in excess of £1,300 for Cancer Research UK.

“One of our pupils, Sam Hardy, who lost his own battle with leukaemia in January last year, was very much in our thoughts during the run and I am so proud of what our children have accomplished today in his memory.

“It is staggering to think that collectively we have run over 480 miles which is the same as running the London Marathon 18 times an incredible achievement.”

An Easter Fair was also hosted in the school grounds, complete with stalls, a tombola, a beat the goalie competition and stocks for pupils to throw wet sponges at teachers.

Teaching assistant and PE leader, Caroline Black, who organised the event, said: “A lot of families in our school have been affected either directly or indirectly by cancer and everyone was keen to do something to help support Cancer Research UK.

“At West Park Academy we promote the spirit of the games, which are honesty, teamwork, respect, self-belief, determination and passion and each and every single student showed all of those values.

“There was a lot of peer support for those pupils who found it harder than others and it was so nice to see everyone cheering each other to the finish line. I feel very proud of them all.”

To donate, visit fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/west-park-academy