After completing their sponsored walk over 6 months ago, Northamptonshire Health Charity finally had the opportunity to visit the children & staff at St Thomas More School to say thank you for organising a sponsored walk and raising an amazing £1,244.90 in aid of Kettering General Hospital.
Early Years/KS1 children walked laps of the playground totalling 1 mile, the distance from the school to the hospital whilst KS2 children walked nearly 2 miles, the equivalent of there and back, raising money to be split evenly for the hospital Covid-19 appeal and Macmillan Children’s Book Box Scheme.
Observing social distancing requirements, our Community Fundraiser Lorraine was delighted to talk to some of the children who told her it was sunny but cold on the day but they enjoyed the walk and had music playing to keep them going, plus encouragement from Mr Donald, Headteacher on the megaphone!
In their words, ‘they wanted to help the nurses and doctors who were fighting Covid’.
Many of the 217 children have parents or connections who work at the hospital, or perhaps knew someone who contracted Covid-19, so it was important for the school to support the children to talk openly and share their feelings.
The opportunity to support the hospital and do some fundraising was a brilliant way that everyone could be involved.
“The sponsored walk from Autumn term has certainly been one of the highlights of the year for me.
Witnessing the whole school community join together to raise money for the hospital was such a joyous experience.
During the week of the walk there was an incredible atmosphere around the school, the children really understood what they were doing and why and our amazing parent and Parish community were so supportive as always.
The music and megaphone certainly helped keep spirits up whilst we were all walking!
The staff at Kettering General Hospital have touched the lives of so many of us so it is with the greatest pleasure that I present them with this small token, on behalf of the St Thomas More community, to say thank you and God bless you all.” Mr Fraser Donald, Headteacher.
A huge thank you to all the children, staff, parents, friends and families for the amazing support and money raised which will benefit so many patients at Kettering General.