This February M5 pupil, Berry Ward decided to join the Great Ormond Street Squat Challenge. Here, we learn what inspired Berry to take on this challenge:

“When I began my challenge at the beginning of February, there was an air of positivity, as the restrictions we have all faced over the last two years were beginning to lift. As I sit down to write this, the atrocities occurring in Ukraine are at the forefront of everyone’s mind. This serves to remind us that we never know what is around the corner.

The past two years have thrown some major challenges for everyone, but I think it is fair to say that we have all learned to work together and support one another. The sense of community and togetherness has been inspirational, as it is today, when the world comes together to stand up for what is right. Our appreciation for our medical services has never been greater and having faced a couple of health issues over the last year or so, I wanted to give something back. Something I experienced during my visits to hospital, is that for every time you are lucky, somebody else isn’t.

As a Peer Supporter for Norwich School, every week I am reminded that we all face challenges, some big and some small, but many that others are unaware of. Every day, 619 children and young people from across the UK, arrive at Great Ormond Street Hospital for life-changing treatments. Their recent campaign ‘1400 squats in February’ seemed like a great excuse to dust off my trainers, kickstart my fitness recovery and raise some money and awareness. I am grateful and proud to have raised a total of £425 - my contribution to a grand total of over half a million pounds raised across the UK during this campaign. Thank you to everyone that sponsored me for this great cause, it is amazing what we can achieve together.”