A TEACHER at a special school in Witney will take on the London Marathon to raise funds for a bus to take children with learning difficulties out into the community.

Jade Hewlett, who teaches at Springfield School, will take on her first ever marathon on Sunday, April 23.

The 26-year-old is supporting a campaign to buy a new wheelchair-accessible minibus to take the students she teaches out of the school to gain valuable life skills.

Miss Hewlett said: “The buses we have now are getting to the stage where they’re quite old – so to have a new one would be brilliant.

“Going out in the community for our children is so beneficial for them in learning life skills, like buying things in a shop, sitting in a café, even going to the park. Just being part of the community.

“Sometimes it can be difficult for the families to go out a lot, so if we can take them out it makes a big difference."

The teacher, who is a member of Witney Roadrunners, has been training for the marathon since January. She has also been given a helping hand by some of her students.

She said: "I did 20 miles recently and soon I’ll start to reduce down and make sure I’m well rested

"With the children we’ve been doing loads of racing and things and cheering each other on to do the races. They've really enjoyed it.

"I'm excited about the marathon but as it gets closer I am getting a bit nervous."

Miss Hewlett will be joined in the challenge by Darren Hall, father of seven-year-old Springfield School pupil Charlie, who has autism and other learning difficulties.

Mr Hall said: "Anything people can donate is truly appreciated and will help spur me around my first ever marathon as I raise a few pounds for a local cause close to my heart."

The school currently has four minibuses but two are on their last legs - with one of those recently declared un-roadworthy.

Its fundraising target is £25,000, with nearly £5,000 raised so far.

Recently, Jimmy Osmond hosted a cooking event at the school and donated the money raised from ticket sales to the minibus fundraising campaign.

Springfield is the special needs school for West Oxfordshire and educates pupils from two to 16 years.

All pupils have profound learning difficulties, often combined with severe medical conditions and behavioural problems.

The school aims to place a strong emphasis on teaching life skills that will enable pupils to live as independently as possible.

To support Miss Hewlett or Mr Hall, go to justgiving.com/fundraising/Hewlett-Jade or justgiving.com/fundraising/Darren-Hall12

Any companies that would like to discuss sponsoring the minibus can call Lisa Benson on 01993 703963.