STUDENTS from St Columba’s High School have completed their 5K run to raise funds for a Dunfermline charity.

Ava Holland, Emily Angel and Sophie Love have raised £800 and counting for the Dunfermline’s Children’s Clothing Bank as part of their Youth Philanthropy Initiative (YPI) success.

The girls were awarded a £3,000 grant but on condition that they raised £250 themselves. Eager to smash this target, the girls were hoping to get around £500 in donations but have managed to raise more than three times that amount.

They told the Press: “We are delighted we managed to complete this run with it being such a horrible day. The Children’s Clothing Bank Dunfermline is a vital charity within our community and we are pleased that we have so far managed to raise over £3,500 including £800 for our run.”

Provost Jim Leishman started the run and encouraged the girls before they set off, at which point they were joined by the Duloch Spiderman, PC Ross Menzies, from Police Scotland, and their deputy headteacher, Ruairi Mulholland.

The girls continued: “We’ve have really enjoyed working with the charity and will keep this going in years to come.

“We want to thank everyone who helped make this event happen. In particular, Provost Leishman, Duloch Spiderman, PC Menzies and Mr Mulholland, who motivated us along the way.

“We also want to thank the children from St Margaret’s Primary School, who came out to offer us encouragement even in the pouring rain! Can we also thank Mrs Reekie, who teaches social subjects at St Columba’s and was our mentor throughout our YPI project.”

The group ran from the Children’s Clothing Bank headquarters on Chalmers Street back to their school on Woodmill Road on Thursday, October 6, despite bad weather. They are still accepting donations for the charity and will be looking to close their Just Giving page in late October.

To support the girls and their chosen charity, visit their Just Giving page at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/sophie-love?utm_term=5mRaPXgbd.