Fridge runner Tony inspires pupils at Sutton Community Primary School (From Craven Herald)

Fridge runner Tony inspires pupils at Sutton Community Primary School

8:00am Saturday 23rd February 2013 in News

A man who became famous for running half-marathons with a fridge strapped to his back has inspired school children in Sutton.

Pupils at Sutton Community Primary School took part in a fun run, after staff told them about the incredible exploits of ‘Tony the Fridge’ Phoenix-Morrison.

Mr Phoenix-Morrison, who is from Tyneside, captured the hearts of millions after finishing 30 consecutive half-marathons while lugging a 40 kilo fridge. He was raising money for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, which funds cancer research.

Sutton CP School headteacher Fiona Beetles said: “During the usual staffroom conversations over coffee several of our staff shared their amazement at Tony’s story.

“We decided to share it with our children as part of a planned programme of assemblies around the theme of ‘who makes a champion’. It would be fair to say that Tony’s story made our children want to make a difference.

“They decided to plan a fancy dress fun run for the whole school and asked everyone to carry something on their backs – just like Tony.

“The run took place last Friday in glorious sunshine, when our children were joined by friends and family to cheer them on their way.

“Fairies mingled with superheroes and were joined by a large blue Smurf as well as the ‘Where’s Wally?’ character.”

The pupils carried a variety of objects on their backs, including rucksacks, teddies and even some homemade fridges.

Mr Phoenix-Morrison was himself present at the event, after being contacted by teacher Christa Baldwin who is a keen runner. He even brought his fridge along and joined in the fun run.

He led an assembly where he told the children all about his story.

Ms Beetles said: “He was a sheer inspiration – telling the children to face their challenges ‘just one step at a time’.

“At the end of the morning we were delighted to give Tony a cheque for £350 for the Bobby Robson cancer charity.”