CHILDREN aged from four to 11 put their best foot forward to more than double their fundraising target from a sponsored run for our Julia's House appeal.

Headteacher Gareth Spicer set youngsters at Corsham Regis Primary a target of £200 but the children, staff, parents and friends help them power their way to £575.63.

The pupils raised the money by doing laps of the playground and made Mr Spicer proud. He said: "The most important thing is that the profile of Julia’s House is raised and that the children enjoyed themselves in the process. I am incredibly proud of everyone who took part and who helped to organise the event."

He said the school was delighted to be involved with raising money for the charity which plans to open a children's hospice in Devizes next year.

He said that after a visit by fundraiser Liz Froud he knew the charity was the one for them. He said: "Having previously taught a child in another school who frequently went to a hospice before sadly passing away, I decided that this would be the charity that Corsham Regis ought to support this academic year.

"The hospice she attended provided the pupil and her family with some much needed support and respite at a very difficult time. When I met with the Academy Pupil Council they agreed and we set about organising this event. Some of the pupils wrote a letter to parents and some designed posters that were displayed around schools."

Julia's House also won support from a team of chartered accountants in the Devizes 10K. Banks bhg from Swindon raised almost £1,000 by taking part in the race around the streets and footpaths of the town where Julia's House has started converting part of the old Kennet District Council offices at Browfort.

The team dressed as fairies to make sure they stood out from the crowd while on the course. Ged Montgomery from Julia's House said: "We a are thrilled and delighted with all the fantastic support we are receiving from Banks bhg and this event is just one of many planned during 2016."

The charity is also celebrating winning the Innovative Product / Service Award at this year’s Enterprising Wiltshire Awards.

Judges were impressed by the charity’s unique, landmark model of care, offering Wiltshire families flexible support at home and in the community and for its innovative fundraising , encouraging celebrities to help kick-start funding for a new children's hospice for the county.

A private party organised by Julia’s House Patron Guy Ritchie and an online raffle by Hollywood superstar Robert Downey Jr attracted worldwide attention for the charity was well as much-needed funds.

Chief Executive Martin Edwards said he was proud that the work of the Julia’s House team had been recognised by the Wiltshire business community.

“Our expansion into Wiltshire has already made a huge difference to local families. Typical comments from parents describe the frequent respite and care provided to them as a “lifeline” and “invaluable”.