GAP year youngster Emily Shaw, 18, a former student of Bryanston School, near Blandford, has been encouraging children in remote areas of Nepal to enjoy sport and running.

Now the success of the Right 2Run project she has developed with the Right4Children charity has culminated in a showcase athletics event involving 250 pupils from seven schools in remote areas of the country.

Emily, a former English Schools 3000m Champion and England international cross-country runner, said: “I know from my own experience that a morning running session can change one’s day and help to increase energy and concentration for the day ahead.

“And that’s exactly what the children involved in Right2Run have said to us.

“I’ve learnt so much over the past four months and I’ve really enjoyed working with the young athletes.

“Getting up when it’s pitch dark and freezing cold at 5.30 in the morning has not proved to be a problem for them.

“After some warm-up games, they run a few laps around the village before sitting their school exams later that morning!

“There are many socio-cultural barriers for youngsters to cross to participate in sport. This is especially true for young girls.

“My hope is that the Right2Run project will continue to help pupils overcome these barriers and that they will use the skills gained from their sporting endeavours to break away from the cycle of poverty.”

The running project has provided direct support to pupils at remote government schools and led to the introduction of weekly running sessions covering teamwork, running drills and fun games.

The inter-school Right2Run competition held at the Rangasala Stadium in Pokhara was the highlight of the project.

Emily secured the active participation of Mira Rai, an international and award-winning trail runner, as guest of honour for the event, and who helped to start the races and present the winning children with their prizes. Mira has also agreed to remain involved with the expanded Right2Run programme through 2023.

Right4Children works to improve the lives and living standards of disadvantaged children and their families in Nepal.