A father of two has reached his target of running 100km (62 miles) in 28 days to raise money for Henry Bloom Noble Primary School in Douglas.

Freelance journalist and writer Paul Speller, from Douglas, set himself the challenge to raise money for the school association to fund wellbeing activities at the school.

Paul, who is a frequent contributor of political coverage to the Manx Independent, has just reached 100km on his 15th run.

Along the way pupils from each year group at the Douglas school joined him to show their support.

The money raised will be spent on activities, events and equipment that contribute to wellbeing.

Paul, 49, said: ’The enthusiasm and support of the children when they joined me on parts of the run was inspiring - I want to raise as much as possible.

’The three lockdowns meant the school association was unable to stage its usual fundraising activities to pay for things not covered in the education budget.

’We didn’t want the children to miss out as they have been through enough over the past 16 months [in light of the pandemic].’

He added: ’More than ever, wellbeing is important for children and it plays a key role in all aspects of education.

’Everyone at HBN works really hard to make the school a happy place and we want to help wherever we can.’

Paul also mentioned that running had helped with his own wellbeing during lockdown.

Head teacher Rachel Ashley said: ’We are very grateful to Paul and the association for their efforts on behalf of the school and it was lovely to see the children getting involved.

’Wellbeing is crucial for children and a major part of what we do.

’We recently created a new space called the Bloom Room, to offer the children a quiet, calm space and it has already proven to be a valuable resource.

’Fundraising like this can help us go the extra mile with resources and activities.

’It really makes a difference.’

Paul also explained that the HBN School Assocation has always helped to fund extra-curricular events, and everything from leaver’s hoodies or a new beanbag for the Bloom Room - ’we need to keep doing that’, Paul said.

So far, he has raised £870. People are still able to donate to Paul’s fundraiser at: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/paul-speller-hbn