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Eastbourne College is proud to announce that Wargrave House, one of the school’s boarding houses, has been awarded an Outstanding Contribution to Fundraising Volunteer Award thanks to the fantastic community spirit displayed in its annual 24-hour Rowathon, also known as the Dakar Challenge.

The Rowathon took place in February and witnessed pupils and staff campaigning to support the invaluable work carried out by St Peter and St James Hospice in their end-of-life care. The challenge was especially personal to the school as the hospice provided amazing support for one of its families in the summer of 2022. The fundraising effort surpassed all expectations and raised an astonishing £15,023.62, (including Gift Aid).

Tom Lawson, Headmaster, said: “Eastbourne College is renowned for its commitment to community service, so I am immensely proud of the efforts by the College staff and pupils who took part in this year’s Rowathon. The generous response has been moving and inspiring and demonstrates the school’s shared value to make a positive impact on the lives of others.”

Tim Spiers, Wargrave Housemaster said: “This incredible sum is testament to the collective effort, willpower, and generosity of all those who campaigned, donated and brought their energy to the rowing machines. Congratulations to all involved and a heartfelt thank you to those who generously donated.”

Deputy Lieutenant, Giles York, QPM DL presenting the Volunteer Award for Outstanding Contribution fo

Avril Roberts, Volunteer Development Manager said: “The volunteer award for Outstanding Contribution for Individual Fundraising was voted by staff and volunteers at St Peter and St James Hospice, and Edward and Harvey Nolan together with students from Eastbourne College in Wargrave House have been chosen to receive this award. Edward and Harvey Nolan’s dad died at the hospice in 2022. They first held a rugby match back in April 2023 which raised £6,400. Wargrave students held a ‘rowathon’ in February 2024 and a concert in September 2023 which collectively raised £15,023.64, a fantastic amount and the most Wargrave House has ever raised.”

The award was presented to representatives of Eastbourne College by the Deputy Lieutenant, Giles York, QPM DL.

The event is sponsored by Burgess Hill District Lions, Pangdean Barn and other local businesses.

For more information, please visit: www.eastbourne-college.co.uk.

Eastbourne College raises £15,000 for St Peter and St James Hospice