Two 10-year-olds from St Swithun’s Prep School raise £1500 for premature birth charity Borne

10-year-olds Lois Macdonald and Freya Austin, both students at St Swithun’s Prep School in Winchester, have raised £1500 for the Borne charity which carries out research into the causes of premature birth. They raised the money through a sponsored triathlon involving a mile-long swim, a 5km cycle ride and a 5km run.

Lois, whose family has been deeply affected by premature birth, and her best friend Freya set out to donate £600 to Borne. They used the swimming pool, playing fields and athletics track at St Swithun’s to complete the triathlon challenge in scorching late summer temperatures. Both were delighted to learn that they had more than doubled their pledge with a huge £1510 for the charity.

St Swithun’s Prep School sports teacher Katy Iliffe said ‘40 minutes of tough swimming, a 5km cycle and 12-and-a-half laps of the track on tired legs was a huge challenge. Lois and Freya needed real grit and determination to achieve their goal. I am so proud of the way they just kept going.’

In recognition of their contribution, the girls have been invited to the Borne laboratories in London to see the charity’s work in action. They also received a letter of commendation and thanks from Borne’s founder.

Lois and Freya’s fund-raising page is www.justgiving.com/fundraising/freya-lois.