A West Kirby primary school received a visit from acclaimed comedian and multiple marathon runner Eddie Izzard this week.

St Bridget’s supported Eddie during his astonishing accomplishment of running 27 marathons in 27 days in South Africa to raise funds for Sport Relief.

The 54-year-old finished his epic challenge last month under a giant statue of Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg after completing a whopping two marathons in one day.

St Bridget’s organised their own fund-raising events – pupils running 100mtrs each until they had reached the marathon distance of 26 miles and 385 yards.

The determined children managed to complete a total mileage equivalent to TWELVE marathons.

The youngsters then sent their sponsorship money to Eddie to add to the £1m he raised.

During his visit the comic and actor answered question from pupils and told them about the achievements of anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela who survived 27 years imprisonment to become South Africa's first democratically elected President.

Eddie explained how important it is in life to keep on going even when things become extremely tough.

Sally Bowler, PE co-ordinator, said: “The session with Eddie was very interesting and thought provoking.

“He sent us a tweet the following day to say how much he enjoyed visiting us and thanking the children for running their marathons alongside his.”

Miss Bowler added: “We decided that every child in the school would take part in a running challenge to complete as many 100m laps of the playground as they could.

“Some of our junior children had the fantastic idea that all of the children could donate money to wear crazy hairstyles that day and so the idea of a Mad March ‘Hairs’ race was born.”

Staff at St Bridget’s are now organising their next challenge focusing on children abroad who do not receive an education.

Wirral West MP Margaret Greenwood is due to visit the school next month after asking a question in the House of Commons sent in by a pupil.