Stepping out for our fund

Year seven pupils at Dewsbury’s Westborough High School were organising the fundraiser as part of a special week of lessons promoting community work.

And when they heard about the charities our fund supports, they agreed to donate all the cash raised.

The pupils will be joined by park wardens and mascots from Dewsbury Rams, Batley Bulldogs and Huddersfield Town on Tuesday July 9 for the one mile walk around Crow Nest Park.

Extended learning co-ordinator Gayna Goalby said: “Every year each year group does something for charity. The year sevens were planning a sponsored walk and when I spoke to the head of year about the Reporter Series Fund, she said it would be really good to support it.

“It’s something local and relevant. Sometimes we do things like Red Nose Day or Children in Need, but three of the charities you’re raising money for are local and the pupils will see the benefits of it.”

Money raised by the fund will be shared by Kirkwood Hospice, Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice, One Community – a charitable foundation for Kirklees – and Asthma UK.

Reporter Series editor Hannah Ridgeway said: “I’m delighted that pupils at Westborough have chosen to support our fundraising efforts.

“It’s fantastic to see young people in our communities showing such enthusiasm for charitable work and making a commitment to our appeal.

“I hope friends and family will lend their support too when these pupils start collecting sponsorship, and I wish them the best of luck.”

Mrs Goalby said: “The walk is for the whole of year seven – around 200 pupils. They’re going to be doing five laps around the park in 100 minutes.”

She said anyone who wanted to take part in the event would be welcome to join in.

“They can meet us at the park’s war memorial at 1.30pm and just let us know they would like to go round with us.”

Sponsorship collected can be given to the school on the day, or brought to our office.