He's just a big baby

I always admire a man who can walk the walk as well as talk the talk.

But I have particular respect for a man who is prepared to walk the walk through the streets of Guiseley dressed as a big baby.

Meet Jamie and Charlotte's headteacher, Mr Madeley.

I like Mr Madeley.  He's fun (although I wouldn't want to get on the wrong side of him).  He's one of those people who leads from the front and, from all I've seen, wouldn't ask anyone to do something he wouldn't do himself.  

And it's become clear that he is also prepared to do things that few others would even consider.

Which brings me to today and the St Oswald's Primary School sponsored walk in aid of Sport Relief and the LGI Neonatal Unit.

Each class is due to walk three miles around town, except for Charlotte's lazy year who have to complete just a mile.

There are 364 children at the school so Mr Madeley set the fundraising target at a modest £1 for every pupil.

And if the £364 target was met, he would complete the sponsored walk dressed as a big baby.  (Feel free to read that sentence again).

A letter sent home earlier in the week indicated that the tight-arsed folk of Yorkshire hadn't quite stumped up enough for Mr Madeley to fulfil his surreal pledge, but there must have been a late and very welcome surge.

Because this was the unforgettable sight which greeted parents and children at the school gates this morning.

It's a long time since I've seen so many smiling faces in one concentrated area.  Indeed, some normally grim-faced mums and dads walked past who I didn't know had teeth until today.

Good old Rupert.