Heroes stun Littlehampton students with tales of bravery

About 400 students at The Littlehampton Academy listened, awestruck, as the pair of soldiers – one of whom lost his leg when a roadside bomb exploded while he was patrolling, the other a physical training instructor – talked about their experiences serving overseas.

Former RAF Lance Cpl Mike Goody, who used to live in Littlehampton, and Warrant Officer Jon Street, a PT instructor with the RAF, explained to the youngsters, who were all from Roddick Chapter, about the long road to recovery injured service personnel faced and how vital support from armed forces charity, Help for Heroes, had been in helping Mike on the road to recovery.

Last week’s inspirational presentation was all part of the chapter’s charity fund-raising week, during which the students showed both their community spirit and their determination, as they took on a number of challenges, to raise about £1,000 for Help for Heroes.

The final event on Saturday (March 23) saw girls Abby Lane, 15, and Stevie Winter-Parker, 14, braving the freezing cold weather to step up to their own challenge.

While everyone else wrapped up in coats and thick jumpers, or sat cosily at home by the fireside, Aby and Stevie, pictured above, were out in their shorts and t-shirts in the bitterly cold wind and rain, hoping to raise £200 for the charity.

The girls, who are experienced cross-country runners, took on a 10K seaside route from the bus stop in Sea Lane, Rustington, to Worthing Pier.

They were supported by their family, as well as teachers and staff from the academy during their trek, which lasted around an hour, and were given a warm reception as they arrived at the pier.

Speaking before tackling the run, Abby, said: “Yes, it’s cold, but I find that’s actually a bit better. It helps to keep you cool while you’re running.”

Stevie said: “We have done a lot of cross-country running before, so the distance shouldn’t be a problem. We are just glad that we are doing something to help.”

Academy vice-principal Geoff Davis was part of the support crew for the girls during their challenge.

He said that the students this year had really been inspired by the stories of the two soldiers.

“Their presentation to the children was very moving,” he said. “There must have been around 400 of us in the hall during it but you could hear a pin drop. They were stunned.

“The soldiers told students how Help for Heroes supported them through their rehabilitation.”

A spokesman from Help for Heroes, thanked the school for all its efforts to support the charity.