23 November 2006

Byrne goes a long way to help local school’s bid

Liam Byrne MP today presented a cheque for £500 to Hodge Hill Girls School. The MP for Hodge Hill raised the money by running the Stratford half marathon earlier this year.

The money will go towards the school’s fund for its bid for specialist school status. The school’s GCSE results have increased by 20% in the last five years and with specialist status will be able to continue this progress even further.

Liam said:

“I’m delighted to do my bit for the current and future students of Hodge Hill Girls School. It is already an improving school and I look forward to seeing specialist status drive it forward even more.”

“I was really pleased with the response to my requests for sponsorship and will run again next year – with a bit of extra training I hope to beat my personal best to give everyone the incentive to sponsor me again!”

Money was donated by individuals, friends and businesses and the total amount was split between the Jammu Kashmir Development Foundation’s Kashmir Quake Appeal, Age Concern and the school.

Next week, Liam will find out if he has been awarded a national Charity Champion Award in a ceremony in London.