There is no shortage of local characters in Culcheth, but David Smithson, better known as the Culcheth Fairy, is certainly one of the most memorable. He has now inspired pupils at Culcheth Community Primary School to run, dress up and raise an impressive £120 for Whizz Kids.
David was introduced to the school after Year Six pupils chose him as one of the people who had inspired them during their PSHE topic. When he visited, he explained how a bit of family fun had developed into a serious fundraising passion.
Over the past two years, the great-grandad has raised more than £6,000 for Whizz Kids by completing marathons and weekly runs around the village dressed as a fairy. The costume began as an idea from his grandchildren, who wanted to spot him while he ran the London Marathon. Frankly, it is hard to imagine a more effective way to stand out in a crowd.
David is now a familiar sight around Culcheth, often carrying bells to hand out to local children, who attach them to their arms and bikes. It is cheerful, distinctive and considerably more wholesome than most village gossip.
After his school visit, the pupils’ council decided to organise a fancy-dress fun run, with all proceeds going to Whizz Kids. Entry cost £2, and every competitor in the one-mile run received a bell from David, who said he was “humbled and extremely excited” by the idea.
The result was a brilliant community effort, with pupils raising £120 for a worthwhile cause. The school deserves credit for turning a lesson about inspiration into something practical, active and generous. The only disappointment is that there was no mention of a competitive category for the most flamboyant fairy outfit.
With David Smithson leading the runners and bells ringing around the course, Culcheth Community Primary School managed to combine charity, exercise and a healthy dose of village eccentricity. That is a pretty strong result for one mile.