‘Wacky’ bedtime best raises a healthy sum for hospital

Hundreds of children from schools and nurseries in Arundel, Littlehampton, Yapton, Barnham, Walberton and Slindon went to lessons sporting their best morning attire and scruffiest bed hair, all to raise some much-needed cash for St Richard’s Hospital, Chichester.

The Jim-Jam-athon, organised by Love Your Hospital, saw more than 30 schools from across the Arun and Chichester area taking part.

More than 200 pupils and staff at St Philip’s Catholic Primary School, in London Road, Arundel, revelled in the fun with their bedtime outfits and wacky antics drumming up a healthy sum for the hospital.

Carol Kelly, personal assistant to the school’s head teacher, said at least £200 had been collected from playground donations. However, she hinted that the figure had not yet been counted and the actual total could very well exceed this.

“The children had a lovely time,” she said. “They were all wearing something different and had great fun admiring each others’ outfits.

“Everyone really got into the spirit of it, even the teachers, with some of them wearing their pyjamas or onesies.”

Nicola Godwin, of Love Your Hospital, said: “Many parents we meet at St Richard’s wanted to give something back to their local hospital, so involving their children was a great way to do this. By wearing their jim-jams for the day they were helping our special patients have a better night’s rest in hospitals.”

The money will go towards St Richard’s special care baby, children’s wards, cancer services and elderly care wards.