Students at Ridgeway High School in Noctorum have raised more than £5,000 to support Ronald McDonald House Charities UK and the local House at Arrowe Park Hospital. The money will enable the school to support families who need somewhere to stay while their child or baby is being cared for in hospital.
Gavin Sterry, headteacher, said, “We have managed to raise a grand total of £5,727.78 for a wonderful organisation – Ronald McDonald House Charities. It has been an outstanding effort by students, parents and staff.
“Charity fundraising has always been a big part of the Ridgeway experience. In recent years the school has supported Claire House Children’s Hospice and the Samaritans. Last September the student body voted to raise money for Ronald McDonald House Charities and that has been our focus over the last year.
“Our nearest Ronald McDonald House is based at Arrowe Park, so it is very much a part of people’s lives in the local community.”
On their website, the charity explains why its work is so important, “The best medical care for your child isn’t always close to home. Families often find themselves travelling long distances to get to their child’s hospital. Our Houses offer a place to cook, rest and recharge so that families can support their child in hospital, for as long as they need.”
Local fundraiser for the charity, Philippa, says, “We were blown away by the incredible amount that Ridgeway’s students and teachers raised through their various fundraising activities. The level of hard work that went in to raising the money, even through a pandemic, was absolutely admirable. We are so grateful for the support of everyone involved. As an independent charity, we really couldn’t continue to support families with a child in hospital without the generosity of our wonderful supporters, just like Ridgeway High School.
Ridgeway students were involved in all manner of fundraising activities throughout the year, from bubble-based fundraising weeks to one-off events such as Christmas Jumper Day and special FUNd Days based around themes such as Easter and the Euros.
Gemma Moran, Ridgeway’s head of student experience, said, “A particular highlight was an amazing Halloween-themed cake made specially for us by local cake artist Ben Cullen for an activity day in October.”
Ben is known as The BakeKing and came to prominence as a star of Channel 4’s Extreme Cake Makers. Other raffle competitions included prizes donated by football clubs Tranmere Rovers, Everton and Manchester City.
This wasn’t Ridgeway’s only charity focus in the last year. In November the school joined with Tranmere Rovers’ Super White Christmas Appeal, collecting 1,500 items in just five days to support the club’s Christmas hamper appeal.
Headteacher Gavin Sterry said, “Fundraising gives students a different perspective on the world around them. Nurture is the ‘N’ of LEARN for Success, five attributes and values that are at the heart of our character education programme. Nurture at Ridgeway means responding with kindness, ensuring inclusivity for all, and fostering a culture of social responsibility and personal growth.”
Main image: (L-R) Head Student, Macy, Gavin Sterry, Headmaster, Philippa Bradbury and Alice Beck, from Ronald McDonald House.
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