St Augustine’s School in Worksop has raised over £2,200 for the charity that supports children and young adults with life-shortening and life-threatening conditions in North Nottinghamshire and beyond. A para-Olympics and Mad Hatter’s Tea Party were among the activities that pupils, teachers and parents took part in for Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, raising an impressive £2,286. The school was inspired to fundraise for the charity because it supports a former pupil, Leighton Gee, who left the school at the end of last term. Leighton (11), who lives in Worksop with his family, was diagnosed with muscle wasting disease, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, when he was five.
Leighton and his brothers Carson and Leo visit Bluebell Wood to take part in fun activities and events, such as pantos and painting sessions and special visits from football teams. Leighton’s mum Kerry said: “The boys love coming here, and I think it’s really good for them. It’s also nice to talk to other families. We’re all facing similar challenges, and it’s fantastic to get things off your chest when times are tough. Families really do come together.”
Leighton said: “Thank you to everyone at St Augustine’s, my friends, mums and dads and teachers, for helping to raise money for Bluebell Wood. It is an awesome place.”
Melanie Rose, Community Fundraiser, Bluebell Wood, said: “I’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone at St Augustine’s for this support. The school has fundraised for Bluebell Wood for many years, but this year was a huge surprise when we discovered the huge amount they had achieved. Everyone must have worked really hard. All the money will go to great use helping our families make special memories together.”
For ideas to help Bluebell Wood support 290 families both at its hospice and in family homes visit www.bluebellwood.org.