A CAMPAIGN to create a mile-long stretch of coins to raise money in the battle to eradicate Polio has received a welcome boost thanks to the efforts of students at Queen Elizabeth’s Hospital School (QEH) in Bristol.

Collectively, boys at the school handed in more than 150 strips of coins – each adding up to £2.90.

Organised by Rotary clubs in Bristol, one foot long cardboard strips with a mix of coin shapes from 5p to £1 have been printed to raise funds to provide Polio vaccinations.

Once the coin strips have been collected there will be an attempt to lay out one mile or more of strips on the first floor of The Mall at Cribbs Causeway on Saturday, February 21.

Dr Richard Gliddon from Clifton Rotary Club and retired QEH headmaster said: “We are very grateful for the generosity of all the boys at QEH. At the last count we received 50 strips from QEH Juniors and 100 strips from QEH Seniors. I estimate that overall QEH raised £435 and this will enable 3,600 immunisations to be carried out!”

He added: “With the inclusion of returns from Red Maids’ Juniors, Clifton High and St Ursula’s we have raised well over £1,000 and that means immunisations for over 8,800 children. We are grateful for the generosity of all the young people.”

It costs 36p to immunise a child for life against Polio. All donations will be trebled by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation – this means that each completed strip will pay for 24 children to be vaccinated.

Rotary clubs from across the world do fundraising to help eradicate the disease and since 1985 $1.2 billion has been donated by Rotary clubs.

For more information about the challenge or to make a donation visit www.bristolpoliomile.org.uk