A SCHOOL in Stockbridge has launched a charity challenge to raise money for the organisation which provided them with their beloved wellbeing dog.

Test Valley School on Roman Road is asking members of its school community at Test Valley to run, walk, swim or cycle the 9659km from Stockbridge to Tokyo in time for the start of the opening ceremony of the rearranged Olympic Games on July 23.

The Test Valley to Tokyo challenge will raise funds for Helpful Hounds, the charity that provided the school with their wellbeing dog Hope.

Helpful Hounds is a charity that purchases, trains and places assistance and therapy dogs with schools and families.

Sarah Botwright, business manager at Test Valley School, said; “Since Hope joined Test Valley School she has been making a huge impact on pupils and adults.

“We are keen to repay the charity’s investment in us in order for them to continue to provide training for hope and to provide other assistance and therapy dogs for those who need them.”

During half term, pupils and staff ran, walked or cycled a total of 1436km towards the 9659km target.

In addition £390 has already been raised towards the target of £500.

You can find out more or make a donation at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/testvalleyschool