Team of Snaresbrook Primary School pupils in 5K superhero run in support of African children

Emma Mortoo, 46, of Colvin Gardens, Wanstead, will take part in the Regent's Park run on May 17 with the group of children from Snaresbrook Primary School, in Meadow Walk, South Woodford.

The team of runners, with ages ranging from 7 to 9, includes Ms Mortoo's nine-year-old daughter Ella Kiely.

The school will be holding a non-uniform day on May 15 to raise money for Afrikids, a charity which helps children in Northern Ghana, one of the poorest regions in the world.

Afrikids runs schools, medical centres and raises awareness of the forced marriage of young girls.

The former governor at Snaresbrook school, who also has a 13-year-old son at Wanstead High, said she was inspired to raise the money after she started working for the charity last year.

Ms Mortoo, who has lived in Wanstead for 15 years, said: “I am hoping we can raise around £1,000 for a new programme which is aimed at raising awareness of forced marriages of young girls in Northern Ghana.

“Afrikids provides direct support by working with local leaders and chiefs in the area to get these girls back into school and education."

The group will receive free superhero costumes for the five kilometre run, which is organised by doitforcharity.com.

Ms Mortoo said: “It is not going to be easy but we will all be running as a group and will help each other out.

“My husband Ray will be there cheering us on and there is a barbeque planned back home after we have finished so we will have something to look forward to.”  

To donate to the cause click here.

Snaresbrook Primary School is holding a non-uniform day to raise money for Afrikids.