Kaitaia Abundant Life School student Travis Burrows will put his fitness to the test tomorrow on behalf of an ailing schoolmate.
Principal Mark Tan said a 5-year-old pupil, who was "really unwell", had been admitted to Auckland's Starship Hospital.
"I don't want to go into too much detail; suffice itto say that it is very serious, and we have to do what we can and all we can to support her and her family," he said.
"Our kids are getting right behind the family and doing what they can."
One student, Travis Burrows, had volunteered to walk around the school field 100 times, equating to around 20 kilometres, and was looking for sponsors.
"Suddenly, after announcing this, we've got more than 30 students who are committed to doing as many laps as they can, up to the golden 100, and hoping that individuals, businesses, organisations and the like will get in behind them," he added.
People were jumping on board with the best pledge as of last week $1 for every lap up to 100 laps.
"We also have some sponsors saying they will join the kids on the walk."
It will all be happening tomorrow afternoon, starting at 12.30pm. Pledges and donations will be welcomed at the school office (phone (09) 408-2671) and there's more on the school's Facebook page.