CLASS nine students from the South Devon Steiner School completed the Burrator 10k run on Saturday, May 31 to raise funds for Totnes-based charity, the Hands Up Project.

Devin Fordham and Sam Ploetz, both 15, were challenged as part of a rite of passage programme the school runs each year.

The Rite Journey provides students with a number of challenges over a 12-month period including physical ones like the 10k, and emotional ones such as sitting in Circle with their peers to discuss key issues the group is facing. The young people also complete a number of ceremonies including a ‘Departure’ from their childhood and ‘The Abyss’ which is essentially a vision quest held on Dartmoor.

Devin and Sam decided to make their physical challenge count by also raising money for their chosen charity.

They chose the Hands Up Project as they wanted to highlight the needs of children in Gaza and to support the work of the charity, which centres around education and storytelling.

Jeff van Zyl, Education Manager at SDSS, heaped praise on the pair for the achievement as well as the compassion on display.

He said, “These young men have demonstrated that they can complete a physical challenge which is excellent, but what really stands out for me is their commitment to supporting others who are less fortunate than themselves.

“This ability to think critically and show empathy and compassion for others is what I am most proud of.”

Devin and Sam received a medal for completing the race having come seventh and eighth in their age category. They have raised £410 for the Hands Up Project.

They are pictured after the race donning their medals.