Skip to it – Kayla Gopaul jump-starts Haiti appeal

Published: 29 January 2010
by PETER GRUNER

A SCHOOLGIRL skipped 311 times in 10 minutes to raise money for the victims of the Haiti earthquake on Monday night.
Rachel Brewster, 11,  pictured, broke her previous record at a Skipathon in the Rose Bowl centre at  the New River Green estate in Canonbury. Up to 40 young people aged from eight to 17 skipped the night away, raising more than  £500 for charity Unicef.
Liz Bell, a director of the centre, said that the idea for the Skipathon came from the young people. “They wanted to do something to help, and decided on a charity event as they have previously done something similar for Children in Need,” she said. “We are very proud that, although many of these young people come from disadvantaged backgrounds themselves, they were keen to help other young people who are suffering.”
Ms Bell thanked centre staff for organising the evening, particularly Maureen Sidoli.
Donations can still be made at www.justgiving.com/SkipforHaiti