Pupils, teachers and parents at Winchester College will be looking to put their best foot forward as they take on a mammoth running challenge in aid of a vital water project.

On the morning of Friday, September 23 the whole college community will come together to attempt to run a total of 4,000km to raise funds for a new water pump at an orphanage in rural India.

The fun run is an annual event, organised by pupils involved in the school’s Charities Committee and will be in aid of the Lotus Flower Trust, a charity the school has long supported.

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They hope to raise £8,000 to build a new water pump at the Basgo Nunnery Orphanage. The new water pipe will allow the orphanage community to grow more low-cost, sustainable food on the nunnery’s farm.

Hampshire Chronicle: A mealtime at the Orphanage | Winchester College A mealtime at the Orphanage | Winchester College (Image: Winchester College)

Winchester College has enjoyed a long partnership with the Lotus Flower Trust, with pupils and staff from the school travelling to India on a number of occasions to help build a school and other facilities.

The target of 4,000km represents the distance between London and Newfoundland, and commemorates the Wykehamists (former pupils) who died during the Battle of the Atlantic in the Second World War.

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Pupils have been particularly inspired by the story of one man: Christopher Longridge OW, who was an airman travelling across for training. The ship he was on managed to evade a number of torpedoes and its gunfire forced the attacking submarine to dive. It took four torpedoes and 15 shells to finally sink her. She sank with all hands on January 15, 1941.

Donations to the Lotus Flower Trust can be made via the link below.

Donate to the Lotus Flower Trust