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Pontllanfraith Primary School pupils are taking part in a fundraising challenge in memory of their late classmate.

Pupils have been walking one mile around their school grounds each day, with the aim of walking the equivalent of the entire British coastline between them.

So far, £1,125 has been raised in memory of classmate Thomas Meacham, who passed away in 2019 from an ultra rare genetic condition called Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), aged just nine.

The money will go to children’s hospice Ty Hafan, where Thomas was cared for before his death.

He would have been in Year 6 now – the final year of primary school. His classmates were keen to complete the challenge in his memory before they leave the school this month.

A new shelter in the school’s playground will also be dedicated to Thomas, and will be decorated with a mural depicting the fundraising efforts, which have been organised by Year 6 teacher Emily Wills.

Miss Wills said: “My class has been working on promotion work to gain more sponsors for the challenge, in the form of posters, flyers, presentations and videos.

“My student ambassadors have also put together a project on our journey so far and are writing about why we are completing this fundraising project and why it is close to their hearts.

“They are thoroughly enjoying all the work to complete this project and for such a great cause.”

Thomas’ father, James Meacham said the family were “very proud” of the pupils who are fundraising in memory of him.

Speaking last year, Mr Meacham said: “Ty Hafan was there for Thomas every step of the way. The hospice introduced me to support networks and social groups where dads, who were all experiencing similar hardship, could get together and talk.

“It also gave me the opportunity to meet other families who wanted to get involved in challenges to support the hospice together.”