STUDENTS at Neale-Wade Community College, in March, raised £860 for charity by taking part in a non-uniform day. The day was organised by Tom McGrath, of Peterhouse Crescent, March, who has embarked on a programme of events to raise funds for Mind, the co

STUDENTS at Neale-Wade Community College, in March, raised £860 for charity by taking part in a non-uniform day.

The day was organised by Tom McGrath, of Peterhouse Crescent, March, who has embarked on a programme of events to raise funds for Mind, the country's leading mental health charity.

Inspired by the charity's work, 24- year-old Tom set out to raise £2,700 this year and end his campaign with a 250-mile cycle ride along the Great Wall of China in October.

A charity football tournament proved successful and now, with the help of the Neale-Wade students, he has surpassed his target.

Tom said: "Everyone paid £1 to attend school in non-uniform dress and the sixth formers stuck to a sports theme so they came dressed as footballers, surfers and even swimmers."

Tom was joined by representatives of the Fenland branch of Mind who held a mental health presentation and discussion with sixth form students.

The £860 raised from the day has boosted Tom's funds to more than £3,000 but he has vowed to continue his efforts.

He said: "There is no way I am stopping there, so I have set a new target of £4,000, which I am confident

I can achieve.

"I have been delighted with the support I have received and the backing of the Cambs Times has really helped me reach my target."

Now, Tom has turned his attention to the climax of his fund-raising campaign and his journey to China.

"The focus for me now is training, training and more training," he said. "I am cycling 100 miles a week but that is well short of where I need to be. I think it is going to be a long, hot and difficult summer."

Tom's website at www.justgiving.com/tommcgrath offers regular updates on his fundraising progress.