A group of children who have been permanently excluded from mainstream Hertfordshire schools have pulled together to complete a sponsored row-a-thon to raise cash for a hospital children’s ward.

The pupils from Years 7 to 9 took part in the tough two-hour challenge at the Lister Hospital, to raise cash for its Bluebell ward for children.

The youngsters who all attend Stevenage Education Support Centre on Collenswood Road, raised £250 from the challenge which was match funded by Tesco, making a total of £500.

An exercise bike was loaned by Stevenage Leisure centre.

The students set up next to the hospital’s Wishing Well and ran the event for a total of two hours, enticing patients and visitors to put a coin or two in their collection buckets.

The fundraising was carried out through The Magic Of Play Appeal for East and North Herts NHS Hospital Trust which runs the hospital, and the funds will be used to purchase much-needed new toys for child patients to enjoy..

ESC Stevenage works with youngsters excluded from school to help them return to mainstream education.