Charity cheque presentation at St Richards

Whole school activities have included mufti days, the donation of items for "Surviving Christmas", loose change collections for Cafod during Lent and the recent "Yellow Day" for St. Michael's Hospice.

Additionally, each year group has put great efforts into raising money to make up this fantastic total.

For example, the form 10T raised over 270 by doing a charity run and they chose to donate the money to St. Michael's Hospice and Great Ormand Street hospital.

Year 7 made a significant contribution by raising 1,871. Form group activities included chocolate tombolas and raffles, sponsored walks and collections for "Cafod" world gift donations. As a year group, the year 7s raised over 1,000 by getting sponsored to do a "Stayawake" over a Friday night at the school.

The year 8s notably raised 3,152.40 over the year. Every year 8 form led a range of activities such as providing table service for groups celebrating a birthday, sponsored sporting activities, a charity football tournament and a talent show. As a year group, the year 8s raised 2,000 by getting sponsored for taking part in a basketball challenge led by Alan Cunningham, an international basketball star.

In a special assembly the year 8s presented cheques to the charities that they had chosen to donate the money raised to. The money was divided between the following charities: British Heart Foundation, Association for the Blind, Cancer Research Campaign, Fun Sports Challenge, Parkinsons Disease Society, Uganda Schools and St. Mary's House (Martha's Trust). Representatives from the charities came along to accept the donations and pass on their thanks to the pupils.

Volunteers from the British Heart Foundation were delighted to receive a cheque for 500.

Lesley Oliver, Chairman of the local Bexhill branch of the British Heart Foundation said "We are really pleased to accept this donation from the school and would like to let everyone know this generous donation will go towards the soon to be launched Conquest Echo appeal for cardiac equipment to be used in Hastings and Bexhill to benefit heart patients"

The appeal will be formally launched at the end of July and 40,000 is needed to help fund the equipment. By fundraising for this local initiative it will really make a difference and help save lives. Lesley would be pleased to hear from anyone in the local community who would like to support the appeal and can be contacted on 01424 732510