A Suffolk school has presented a share of its five-figure fundraising total to a charity supporting seriously ill children in the region.

Hundreds of pupils, parents, staff and governors took part in Thomas Mills High School’s 2020 Challenge earlier this year, which hoped to raise £20,000 for the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices and the Friends of the School, through a sponsored walk.

The Framlingham-based school fell short of its target but managed to raise an impressive £12,000, half of which was presented to EACH fundraising officer Natasha Brame at a special assembly attended by some of the event’s business participants and community supporters.

Organising committee members said: “Four hundred people were involved on the day and really enjoyed the event.

“Although we did not reach our target we were delighted with the response and pleased to donate EACH with a cheque for £6,000.”

Fundraisers on the day took part in walks of up to 20km, with more than 100 marshals volunteering to help out around the course, including 40 from the US Air Force bases at Lakenheath and Mildenhall.

Speaking after the event, committee member Sue Smith praised the “wonderful sense of community” on the day.

“The walkers really enjoyed the glorious countryside in the Framlingham area and the event has benefitted from support from many local people,” she added.

“We were especially grateful to a large contingent of volunteers from the American air bases. We are hopeful of raising thousands of pounds for the two causes which the walk is supporting.”