A PAIR of registered blind schoolchildren have pledged to go the extra mile to raise cash for charity.

Darwen Aldridge Community Academy Year Nine students Declan Grimshaw and Olivia Sunter have signed up for the Sport Relief Mile.

It is the second time the pair have challenged themselves in the name of charity, having done a one-mile swim last year raising more than £500 for the Royal National Institute of Blind People.

And the duo, both 14, will don their running shoes on Friday, March 21, for the national event which supports good causes in the UK and overseas.

Because of their condition, they will run their miles on treadmills in school, and will be supported by learning support assistants Naomi Smith and Angela Frain who will also run a mile.

Olivia, of Coulthurst Gardens, said: “It is a good way to raise cash for children who need it more than we do.

“We have decided to do something every year as we did the swim last year but this year we wanted to do something for Sport Relief.

“I had to learn to swim last year and that is how I have been keeping myself fit for this event.”

The youngster, who wants to make wedding cakes for a living once she leaves school, said the pair had set a target of raising £200.

Declan, of Alfred Street, said it would be tough but he was up to the task.

He said: “We have to overcome challenges like this.

“I go to the gym twice a week and I like to go swimming.”

Both Declan and Olivia were born blind and they are the only children in the school with their condition.

Mrs Smith said: “Because Declan and Olivia are visually impaired they do not get the same access to PE and physical things like that.”

To sponsor Declan and Olivia, visit the website www.my.sportrelief.com/sponsor/declivmilerun.