Students launch fundraising drive for children's hospice

STUDENT leaders are encouraging their whole school to get behind an ambitious fundraising drive for a children’s hospice.

Ripon Grammar School pupils are hosting a series of events to raise thousands of pounds for Martin House, which cares for babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions.

One sixth former, whose family benefited from the Yorkshire-based hospice when his baby cousin Emma sadly died more than ten years ago, urged both pupils and staff to get involved in the school’s Charity Week - which starts on October 23 - to really make a difference.

Deputy head boy Will Jarvis said: “This is a charity close to the hearts of my family, due to the loss of my baby cousin Emma on Christmas Eve 2012.

“But every year the hospice cares for and supports 425 children and 118 bereaved families within Yorkshire thanks to the efforts of supporters.

“The charity aims to provide family-led care for children with life-shortening conditions and is a place where children, young people and their families can come to stay from time to time and find support, rest and practical help.

“We can really make a difference to the lives of children so close in age to us, and given that it costs £9 million a year to run the hospice, we feel it is hugely important to support it so that children, young people and their families can create lasting memories, share love and laughter, and feel supported in the time they have together.”

Head boy Edward Murray said everyone would be working hard to raise as much money as possible, with events including cake stalls and fun activities such as staff pantomime, sumo wrestling, comedy shows, inflatable bungee and musical performances.

“It is an amazing cause and I am delighted to be able to help organise each and every event knowing that the donations raised are going to help children and families in the most difficult circumstances imaginable,” he said.

Head girl Eva Joussemet added that school officers would be visiting Martin House in advance of Charity Week to discover more about the work they do, to inspire their fundraising further.

“I am really excited about the events we have organised for this year. Martin House does such an important job for young people and their families and any donations we collect from this week will go a long way in helping their cause.”

*October 23-27 Charity week events at RGS involving both students and staff will be held during break, lunch and after school with suggested donations for most events.

*Please bring cash to take part in Charity Week events. Additional donations can be made here

*To discover more about Martin House, which provides respite, emergency, symptom control and end-of-life care to children and their families from across West, North and East Yorkshire, along with bereavement support, visit Home - Martin House