The beareavement charity is celebrating 25 years of helping young people

More than 12,000 youngsters are thought to have taken part in the biggest ever session of Simon Says - with 42 schools joining the game, which marked the 25th birthday of the charity of that name.

Elson Junior in Gosport was one of the schools which joined in the occasion on Friday for the Hampshire-based charity, which supports bereaved children. It was also a fundraising event.

Back, from left executive headteacher for Elson and Gomer Infant Schools Sarah Duffy, head of school at Elson Infant School Hayley Page and family support lead at Simon Says Amanda Hughes with, front from left, Ben Cook, Harry Gilliland-Sheehan, Erin Gaskin, Jonny Waite and Stanley Scott Picture: Sarah Standing (021026-8727) | Iconic Resell

placeholder image — Back, from left executive headteacher for Elson and Gomer Infant Schools Sarah Duffy, head of school at Elson Infant School Hayley Page and family support lead at Simon Says Amanda Hughes with, front from left, Ben Cook, Harry Gilliland-Sheehan, Erin Gaskin, Jonny Waite and Stanley Scott Picture: Sarah Standing (021026-8727) | Iconic Resell

Simon Says runs eight support groups across Hampshire, including in Portsmouth and Gosport. There are also groups in Southampton, Chandler’s Ford (for up to 11 years only), Eastleigh Young Peoples Group YPG (for 11-18 years only), Andover, Basingstoke and New Milton.

Children at Elson Infant School in Gosport, taking part in the biggest games of Simon Says. Picture: Sarah Standing (021026-8670) | Iconic Resell

It helps children and young people up to the age of 18 who have experienced the death of a significant person in their life. It is working with schools across Hampshire to provide grief and bereavement education through its Champion School Programme.

Elson and Gomer Schools’ executive headteacher Sarah Duffy said: “We've been really, really pleased that we have achieved our champion school status in time for the 25th anniversary celebrations.

“There's been lots of excitement in the school as we've received that award, and the children have been delighted to be able to take part this morning. Always, they have lots of support from our families. We've had bake sales in the lead-up to the event, and we’re just really happy to be raising awareness as it’s such an important charity that makes such a difference to lots of children in our community.”

Elson’s head of school Hayley Page added: “At 10 o'clock we rang the bell across the school, and all 200 children took part at the same time. It was loud, it was fun, and the children had a great time.”

From left, Ben Cook, Harry Gilliland-Sheehan, Erin Gaskin, Stanley Scott and Jonny Waite after the game of Simon Says. Picture: Sarah Standing (021026-8700) | Iconic Resell

Debs Adams, the charity’s education lead said before the event: “We are incredibly excited to host Hampshire’s Biggest Game of Simon Says. Not only will it be a fun and memorable event, but it will also help raise awareness of the vital support we provide, enabling bereaved children and young people across Hampshire to grow around their grief with hope.”

Simon Says was set up 25 years ago by Sally Stanley after the death of her husband Simon at age of 37. Sally found there was no support in Hampshire at that time, for her and their two young boys and so along with a couple of friends established Simon Says in his name and launched in April 2001.