Great Baddow High School's Physical Education department transformed the school fields into a festive spectacle as students enthusiastically participated in the annual Farleigh Hospice Reindeer Run. Following the necessary post-event period to gather, tally, and verify all sponsorship contributions, the school is thrilled to announce that, owing to the immense generosity and dedication of its pupils, an impressive grand total of £9,558.34 has been donated to Farleigh Hospice.
A Record-Breaking Achievement for Charity
This sum represents the highest amount ever raised by Great Baddow High School for a charitable initiative and stands as the largest contribution from any educational institution to Farleigh Hospice throughout this year. Pupils from across the school embraced the challenge to run, walk, or jog as many laps as possible, engaging in a friendly inter-house competition to determine which school house could 'travel' the greatest distance in a symbolic race towards the North Pole from London.
Festive Spirit and Community Support
Sixth Form students played a crucial supporting role, cheering on participants along the route, while attendees adorned antlers and Christmas jumpers, following a path led by a particularly jolly Santa Claus. The students tackled the event with remarkable enthusiasm, unwavering determination, and a profound sense of community spirit. The occasion supported Farleigh Hospice, a local charity that delivers essential care and assistance to families throughout Mid-Essex.
Members of Farleigh's fundraising team, Danielle Parsons and Sarah Thorogood, attended to support one of the Year 8 Reindeer Runs and were delighted to witness the vibrant energy and festive atmosphere pervading the school grounds. Farleigh Hospice has been organising the Reindeer Run for the past four years, with this year's event being the most extensive to date.
Impact of the Funds Raised
The funds generated by the school will be allocated towards financing local hospice care, which encompasses the specialised care and support provided by doctors, nurses, and therapists in patients' own homes and at the hospice's Inpatient Unit in Chelmsford. The Great Baddow High School PE department expressed immense pride in the students' accomplishments.
Miss Livingston, a PE teacher, commented: "We were absolutely thrilled with the turnout and the incredible effort from all our students. The atmosphere was amazing, and seeing everyone come together for such a worthy cause was truly heartwarming. Whether students chose to walk, jog or run the route, it was clear to see the enthusiasm all around as everyone got into the spirit of the event with their festive antlers and jumpers, all in aid of a truly special cause."
She added: "In addition to a £2 contribution to take part, funds were boosted by GoFundMe pages, taking sponsorship forms to parents' workplaces, and one student even took their sponsorship form to their grandparent's bingo! Hopefully, next year will be even bigger and better, as we are planning on including all year groups across the school, and the staff are equally keen to take part."
Leadership Praise and Future Aspirations
Mr P Farmer, the headteacher, stated: "This event perfectly captures what makes our school community so special - enthusiasm, teamwork, and a shared desire to support others. Raising a record-breaking amount for Farleigh Hospice is a remarkable achievement, and I am incredibly proud of every student and staff member involved."
Farleigh Hospice expressed profound gratitude for the extraordinary enthusiasm and support demonstrated by Great Baddow High School during December's Reindeer Run. Danielle Parsons, partnerships officer at Farleigh Hospice, remarked: "The Reindeer Run is a much-loved highlight in the hospice's annual fundraising calendar. This year, more than 5,000 children across schools, nurseries and community groups in mid Essex took part, making it one of our most successful years yet."
She continued: "We would like to thank everyone at Great Baddow High School who took part or supported the Reindeer Run. Thanks to your kindness and generosity, an outstanding £9,558.34 was raised to fund local hospice care - you should all feel incredibly proud of the difference you have made."
Great Baddow High School extends its sincere thanks to all individuals who participated in and supported this exceptional fundraising event.
