A PARALYMPIC gold medallist has inspired Great Baddow High pupils to get into shape for a 2012-inspired charity competition.

Daniel Bentley, from Great Dunmow, the Boccia {a form of bowls} champion in Beijing 2008, visited the school to motivate more than 450 students for a Gold Challenge in support of J's Hospice.

They will attempt to run for 20 minutes and 12 seconds in a sponsored fun run for the hospice on January 30, with an aim to raise at least £2,012.

Sports coordinator Chris Persey, 32, from Castle Hedingham, said: "It is absolutely fantastic to be involved in the scheme and we have been supporting J's for years.

"The Olympics is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to capture the interest of youngsters in Essex.

"If we can get pupils at Great Baddow High school to be inspired by the values and stories the Olympic games brings then this could be a fantastic motivational tool for the future."

The Gold Challenge, supported by the British Olympic and Paralympic Association, has also attracted Chelmer Valley, Notley High, Essex County Council and five corporate organisations to take part.

The scheme will see participants visit the Olympic Stadium on April 1 to participate in a parade, and a few of the highest fundraisers competing in a 100m track event.

And Daniel, one of Essex's sporting ambassadors, will be leading the J's Hospice parade team in the Olympic stadium with 20 pupils from Great Baddow High and also Chelmer Valley High.

Nick Garner, fundraising manager at J's Hospice, said: "The schools have been great supporters of us.

"We were one of the first charities to sign up to the scheme, and as far as we know are the only charity to have an Olympic medallist to walk beside us in the parade on April 1.

"Daniel is a true inspiration and has become a friend of the charity now as well.

"We are honoured to have him on board supporting us and the children, who he showed his Gold medal, and how many people can say they have seen and held one of those in their lifetime?"

Daniel Bentley, 27, from Great Dunmow said: "I really enjoy going into schools and giving children hope they can achieve anything, and they can see me as an example.

"I want to prove to them they can do anything, and if you remember to put in the training you can succeed.

"I am supporting the J's because they do so much work for other disabled people, where they help people achieve not just in sport but in day-to-day life.

"I am privileged to be asked to walk in the stadium alongside the schoolchildren and J's Hospice and I hope to encourage them all to do great stuff in their life."

Chelmer Valley and Notley High also plan to take part in a 2012-inspired sporting activities to raise money for the charity.

To sign up or support J's Hospice, visit www.thejshospice.org.uk or call 01245 475474.