The Aspire Connect 40 Relay Challenge is a trust-wide, team-focussed feat of endurance taking place this March to raise money for two fantastic causes, in equal part - Comic Relief and Youth Sport Trust.

Circumnavigating the whole of Cornwall, 36 Aspire academies, two outdoor education centres (Carlyon Bay and Carnyorth) and two central core service buildings (Truro & St Austell) will be connected via a non-competitive relay route using only physical activity as the mode of travel. Whether it's walking, running, cycling, rowing, horse riding or swimming, physical exertion is key and anything involving an engine is strictly off limits!

The Aspire Connect40 Relay Challenge route will start at Bude Primary Academy - Juniors & Infants on Wednesday 6th March and finish at Tregolls Academy, Truro on Comic Relief Red Nose Day - Friday 15th March, taking in the Clays, the Lizard and the far reaches of the west along the way. Each relay stage has been carefully planned to connect one school, or Aspire setting, to another and depending on topography and distance, some will involve stages being covered by pairs or groups, rather than an individual.

As each Aspire setting connects with another, a special baton containing a live tracker will be officially handed over to the next active participant. Staff, children, family and friends will be able to ‘track’ the progress of the baton from the classroom or office live from a web link at www.aspireacademytrust.org/connect40

This is not just for the grown-ups. Aspire pupils will also be actively involved, fundraising for the two nominated charities through physical school-led activities either on the day the baton arrives on their doorstep, or on Red Nose Day itself, Friday 15th March. You can follow the children's adventures via each Aspire academy's Facebook page.