Tony the Fridge – Sheer Inspiration!

Earlier this year, during their usual journey to work some of our staff heard an interview between Radio 2 DJ Chris Evans and ‘Tony the Fridge’ Phoenix- Morrison. Tony told Chris all about his madcap scheme to raise money for a charity close to his heart – the Bobby Robson Cancer Foundation.  Half-human, half-superhero Tony the Fridge was planning to run  30 Great North Runs in 30 days... with a FRIDGE on his back!! During the usual staffroom conversations over coffee several staff shared their amazement at Tony’s story.

Together we decided to share  Tony’s story with our children as part of a planned programme of assemblies around the theme of ‘who makes a Champion.’ It would be fair to say that Tony’s story inspired our children to want to make a difference. The Fundraising Family of children decided that they wanted to make a difference. They planned a fancy dress fun run for the whole school and asked children, just like Tony, to carry something on their backs. The fun run took place on 15 February, in glorious sunshine, when our children were joined by friends and family to cheer them on their way. Fairies mingled with superheroes and were joined by a large blue smurf as well as the ‘where’s Wally’ character. Children carried all sorts of things on their backs; rucksacks, teddies and even some homemade fridges!

But it didn’t stop there. One of our teachers, Christa Baldwin, a keen runner herself, contacted Tony who offered to come and lend his support. He even brought his fridge and, together with our school community, joined in the fun run. Tony led an assembly and told the children all about his story. He was a sheer inspiration – telling the children to face their challenges ‘just one step at a time.’

At the end of the morning we were delighted to give Tony a cheque for  £350 the Bobby Robson Cancer Charity. Some magic memories and some life changing moments took place at our school today!

Fiona Beetles
Headteacher

Comments from children

• Today was amazing, epic and unforgettable – Ethan
• I had an awesome day meeting Tony the Fridge – Oliver
• The amazing fun run inspired me – Jamie
• The day was unforgettable – Laura
• You really inspired me, I think I will do something like that – Alex
• Wow, what a fantastic day. I felt really happy to run with Tony the fridge - Luke

 

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