The handover of a cheque for more than £7,000 has taken the fundraising total racked up by Markyate’s Beechwood Park school for Keech Hospice Care to nearly £160,000.
The school has been supporting the children’s hospice organisation since 1994, and pupils, staff, and the Parents’ Association all put their weight behind the fundraising effort which takes in activities like summer balls, fireworks nights and raffles.
Head teacher Patrick Atkinson said: “The entire school community is pleased to support this wonderful local charity.
“Numerous fundraising activities have taken place at school over the years, many at the suggestion of our pupils, some of whom have visited children at Keech Hospice.
“The varied support we have given is fully deserved and we appreciate that more is always required. It is marvellous to hear that Keech Hospice appreciates our support; I know this means a great deal to the boys and girls, parents and staff who have given their time and energy resulting in the substantial donations. I am sure it will encourage them to continue to do more.”
Alaine Sellers, the current chair of the Beechwood Park School Parents’ Association, added: “Our relationship with Keech is very important to us and we will continue to work hard to help support them.”
Keech community fundraiser Claire Collings said; “Fundraising efforts like this make a huge difference to the hospice and help to brighten up lives of the children and their families.
“The children’s service provides specialist palliative care for children and young people up to the age of 18 years who have life-limiting conditions and who live within Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Milton Keynes.
“Staff at Keech may not be able to add days to the lives of these young people but they strive to add life to their days and this money will go towards continuing this care.”
Care at the hospice focuses on helping children to enjoy the highest quality of life - controlling their pain and other distressing symptoms, offering practical and emotional support and providing a range of treatments and therapies including complementary therapies, music and hydrotherapy.