The event was hosted in order to raise money for the restoration of Lihou House, which sustained severe damage during Storm Goretti back in January.
‘Our Year 4s do a residential trip to Lihou pretty much every year, so we thought it would be great if we could contribute to the house being fixed,’ said Year 4 teacher Nicola Barton, who had proposed the ‘Skipathon’ to be the school’s method of fundraising.
‘We wanted to provide some support, and the Skipathon was something that the whole school community could do. I think it’s been really good.’
Skipathon activities were tailored to each year, catering to the skipping prowess of the youngest to the oldest – ranging from hopping over pool noodles for reception classes to the Year 3 cohort doing hopscotch in a makeshift grid of hula-hoops.
‘It was good – I kind of do skipping when I have time, so I like it,’ said Year 3 skipper extraordinaire Harper Elliot.
Although the children’s Lihou trip seemed to be in jeopardy in the wake of Storm Goretti, Lihou Island warden Steve Sarre is aiming to have the house in reasonable shape by late spring, ready to reopen for the summer season.
‘The house is being repaired at the moment. We’re really hoping to be open by the end of April – we have to really, or it won’t be good for us,’ he said.
‘It’s been great to see the school help raise money. Our insurance excess is going up as well, so all the funds raised are really helpful.’
Lihou House had only been opened again for a short while following the extensive damage it suffered in Storm Ciaran in 2023, and Mr Sarre was not best pleased to see it once more in disrepair in 2026.
‘There was a lot of damage – again,’ he said. ‘But it’s been great to see so many people who’ve helped with the repairs.’
The school announced at the final bell that the Skipathon had raised a total of £3,575.
‘We are thrilled and truly blown away, and would like to thank all the parents, carers, and sponsors who supported the children in their efforts today,’ said Ms Barton.
