BIG-hearted headteacher Russell Clark is taking on a marathon fundraising challenge for a special pupil.

Aimee Landymore has fought bravely for the last two years to beat leukaemia, undergoing a year of intense treatment before a long spell of remission.

The five-year-old Combs Ford Primary pupil still requires chemotherapy until April – the same month headteacher Mr Clark runs the Virgin London Marathon in aid of Children with Leukaemia.

The school has so far raised �740, with help from pupils, parents and local businesses. But Mr Clark hopes to collect at least �3,000 before April.

“Aimee is a really brave, enthusiastic little girl,” he said. “She was unwell on her first day of school and picked up by an ambulance, but her main concern was having missed her school dinner.”

Aimee, who lives in Thomas Young Close, Combs Ford, with mum Elaine, dad Steve and seven-year-old sister Charlotte, was diagnosed in December 2008. She spent her first school days wearing a headscarf after losing her hair, but has since shown promising signs of recovery. Mrs Landymore said: “Aimee has coped really well. I think I found it more difficult than her.

“The school has shown fantastic support and we are really honoured to know that Mr Clark is running for Children with Leukaemia.

“Aimee is very active, despite being vulnerable to viral infections, and she loves going to school.”

To find out more about Mr Clark’s run or make a donation, visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/russellclark