Pupils from a Worcestershire school are celebrating 10 years of raising funds for a local charity.
The Royal Grammar School in Worcester has raised a staggering £34,716.40 since 2007 for St Richard’s Hospice, supporting its Flourishing Fivers campaign.
The Flourishing Fivers initiative – which was launched in 2005– encourages pupils to become entrepreneurs and turn £5 into as much money as they can.
Pupils from Year Eight – lead by Joanna Marsh, Head of Lower School Co-Curricular Activities – raised the cash through a number of fundraising initiatives including events such as sweet, cake and hot chocolate sales, nail painting, craft sales, sponsored cycle rides, a sponsored walk up Ben Nevis, Guess the Name of the Penguin and a triathlon. In 2016, four pupils teamed up to take part in a sponsored 31 mile Worcestershire Way Walk over two days and another group of four cycled from Birmingham to Droitwich.
The school began supporting the hospice in 1995 and since that time has raised more than £42,000.
Jayne Sargeant, Fundraiser at St Richard’s Hospice, said : “We are extremely grateful for the continued support of the RGS pupils. They have more than excelled with their fundraising activities and we are overwhelmed by their support.
“The total amount raised would allow us, for example, to fund our Day Hospice for three weeks, providing specialist care for up to 80 patients.
“Day Hospice provides individual care from our specialist team – along with a two course lunch – and the opportunity for patients to access a range of therapeutic activities such as adapted Tai Chi, creative and complementary therapies.
“It is wonderful to be able to recognize and celebrate such an important milestone. Well done to all those involved!”
Joanna Marsh, Head of Lower School Co-Curricular Activities at RGS Worcester, said: “Having been involved with the Flourishing Fivers Campaign at RGS for the last eight years, I have been amazed at the generosity and imagination of our students.
“Right from the start they have had plenty of ideas that have included a wide range of activities including sponsored events such as climbing Ben Nevis and Snowdon, cycling to Birmingham and back and swimming a half-marathon in relay.
“Students have made Christmas, Valentine’s Day and Easter gifts and cards, made and sold pickles and organised shows of dance and music. One memorable event was a Staff Strictly Come Dancing Competition.
“The support of the Form Tutors in Year Eight has been fantastic and staff have always been ready to put hands into pockets to generously support events.
“Notable thanks should go to Mrs Margaret Sturdy who has carefully recorded every coin collected, the names of each person involved and the event itself, before raising the cheque for the final amount each year.”
Any schools which would like to get involved with the hospice’s Flourishing Fivers campaign can contact Jayne Sargeant on 01905 763963 or email