Woman completes 24-hour track challenge for school
Sarah DoddA woman has undertaken a 24-hour challenge in sweltering heat and a thunderstorm to help raise money for new facilities for her school.
Sarah Dodd, head of pastoral services at Hexham Priory School in Northumberland, has been walking and running laps of the track at Wentworth Leisure Centre since 10:30 BST on Thursday.
The school teaches pupils with profound and multiple learning disabilities, with Dodd's challenge intended to raise £24,000 to pay for a purpose-built flat in the school where students can learn life skills.
"It's me doing the long stint, but I couldn't do it without all the other people who are joining in as well," said Dodd, after crossing the finishing line on Friday.
Friends, family and colleagues provided her with drinks and snacks, and encouraged her throughout the night.
It led to Dodd, who described her success as a team effort, smashing her fundraising target and raising £28,000, with more donations still expected.
She said the flat and facilities would allow pupils to "master all of those skills that we take for granted - like making your bed, making some lunch, and having a shower - but in a realistic environment".