PUPILS at a Bury primary school are aiming to raise thousands of pounds to help one of their friends return home after he was involved in a horrific accident.

Eight-year-old Teddy Howes, who attends Holly Mount RC Primary School in Greenmount, was involved in a serious road traffic accident last December. He has been in hospital ever since, spending a significant amount of time in intensive care in a critical condition.

His classmates in Year 3 and 4, along with his brother George, aged six, are now determined to help their brave friend get the support he desperately needs and help bring him home.

“Teddy sustained life-changing injuries, but it is hoped he can be discharged from hospital in the next few months,” said headteacher Eleanor England.

“However, he will need round-the-clock care. There are a lot of things that need to be put into place for that to happen and meet Teddy’s needs.

“Everyone was absolutely heartbroken about what happened to Teddy, particularly his own class, and they were the ones who really wanted to do something. When one of our Holly Mount Family need us, we wrap our arms around them and hold them tight.”

Following delays due to the pandemic, the school has now launched its ‘Bringing Teddy Home’ campaign and has already raised nearly£12,000 - mainly thanks to Teddy’s class and his teacher Kelly Whitton, who has been leading school-wide fundraising events, including ‘Running for Teddy’ where each pupil runs a marathon over this half-term, working out at around a mile each day.

“It’s given the children, who have been really sad and missing their friend, something positive to do in what has been a really hard year for all of them with Covid and then seeing this empty chair in the classroom,” said Ms England. “Teddy’s little brother George stood up in assembly and told everyone what we are doing and it’s really given him a lift.”

Other fundraising ideas include ‘Football Friday’ where children can wear kits into school for a donation.

She added: “All the money will go to Teddy’s family for whatever they need. We only launched it this week but the ultimate goal is to get Teddy back in a classroom.”

To donate to ‘Bringing Teddy Home’ go to: gofund.me/b6682dbe