Four charities set to benefit from efforts

Four good causes have benefited from Felpham Community College’s charitable efforts.

Cheques of £1,340 each went to St Wilfrid’s Hospice, Cancer Research UK and Help for Heroes and some £380 went to the Aldingbourne Trust.

The funds were raised during the Felpham Way school’s charity week.

Year 12 student Lara Collis, 16, was one of those involved in the week’s organisation.

“The week is all about raising as much money as possible for our chosen charities,” said Lara.

Three of the charities were at the school last Thursday to receive their cheques.

Julie Longman, of St Wilfrid’s Hospice, said: “This money will make such a difference to the hospice. It costs £6m a year to keep it running and all of the services we provide free of charge.

“Only 14 per cent of our funding comes from the government, the rest is from fundraisers.”

Sally Huggins, of Cancer Research UK, said: “We are so grateful for this donation. Our average donation is £10 so one of this size really is incredible. This would help fund our cancer chat helpline which we provide free of charge for two weeks.”

Help for Heroes could not attended the presentation, but sent students a letter
of thanks.

A cash boost of £380 was also presented to The Aldingbourne Trust. The funds were raised after students strutted their stuff down the catwalk at their charity fashion show.

Michelle McKinley-Bell, of the trust, said: “It is brilliant. This money will go towards funding our new £4m centre, which will help further the work we do with adults with disabilities. It has also been fantastic to meet the pupils who raised the money.”

As well as the fashion show, students took part in a range of activities including a sponsored dog walk, bake sale and Felpham’s Got Talent.

The charities were selected by the students themselves.