Lytchett Minster School pupils raise £8,500 for charity through Sandwalk
They walked 6 miles from Poole to Bournemouth and back
Staff and pupils from Lytchett Minster School have raised £8,500 for two charities, by taking on their annual 6 mile Sandwalk from Poole to Bournemouth and back.
The event was first launched 25 years ago by Simon Wyatt, a teacher at the school.
The money raised at this year’s event adds to the overall total of over £300,000 over the 25 years. The two charities this year were Young Lives vs Cancer and Willdoes.
Simon said:
"The motivation for the Sandwalk as it is now, was the death of a close friend of my wife and I, when we were all 35. A mother of two young children and a very fit young woman, it just didn't seem fair.
“We supported initially Cancer Research UK for many years, to the tune of about £200,000. Subsequently we have supported a variety of charities, always with a link to school following the passing of two members of staff and one student.
Other charities that are providing support for current students have also benefitted. The last 25 years has seen sponsorship in excess of £300,000 raised by students at Lytchett.”
Liz Blunt, Senior Fundraising Engagement Manager for Young Lives vs Cancer (Dorset) said:
“We are incredibly grateful to Simon, and all the pupils and staff involved in the wonderful Sandwalks. It’s an amazing achievement to have raised such a massive amount over the last 25 years and we are so grateful to have been supported.
"It’s not something that we expect for children and young people to get cancer and a diagnosis can be so overwhelming for families. It’s really important that Dorset families are supported at this difficult time.
“The vast majority of Dorset young cancer patients are treated at Southampton General Hospital. Our social workers provide vital emotional, practical and financial support and have a 'Home from Home' that families can stay in free of charge for as long as they need to.
"I know that some local families also are treated in London and are able to stay in our 'Home from Home' there, which is a huge relief for them.”