CHILDREN at Woodrow First School in Redditch took part in a county-wide synchronised massage activity on Friday, November 9, to raise money for Children in Need.

More than 2,000 children at 10 Worcestershire schools took part in the ‘Massage for Pudsey’ event, including 137 pupils at Woodrow first.

The activity was based on a weather story, with children drawing pictures using hand massage techniques to create different weather scenarios on the back of the child in front of them. The fundraising event was organised by

Donna Davis from Kidderminster-based Go Wellbeing, in conjunction with George Holden at Woodrow First School.

Donna Davis is a qualified instructor for the internationally respected Massage in Schools Programme (MISP) – introduced to the UK in 2001.

The programme helps create a relaxed and happy learning environment for children, with peer group massage sessions taking place between children only, in a supervised school setting. This helps develop respect for others and increases inclusion and empathy.

Richard Kieran, headteacher at Woodrow first, said: “We find peer massage at school really beneficial for the children. To have this tie in with Children in Need doubles the benefit

“We will continue to raise funds for Pudsey by wearing pyjamas on November 16.”

For more information about the Massage in School Programme, contact Donna Davis on 07954 414 223 or see www.massageinschools.co.uk.