Charity Day

The first Charity Day of the new school year took place on 10 October 2025, raising money for three charities chosen by the Year 13 tutor groups who came top of the Charity Challenge: Macmillan Cancer Support, Great Ormond Street Hospital and Lotus Caring Hands. The Charity Challenge is an important event run every year in the Sixth Form, where each tutor group is tasked with devising a small fundraising activity. The most successful forms got to choose which charities received a share of the money raised, which was over £2,000. 

Firstly, we have Macmillan Cancer Support. They are a charity that aims to help people living with cancer, as well as their friends, family and carers. In 2024, they helped 2,400,000 people affected by cancer, with over 11,000 volunteers contributing 100,000 hours to their cause. The charity has over 100 years of history, being founded in 1911 as the ‘Society for the Prevention and Relief of Cancer’. Among their other vital work, they offer a support line for cancer patients, campaign for improved care for those living with cancer and conduct important research into the quality and standard of cancer care. Macmillan was chosen by the tutor group that raised the most money, so they will receive 50% of the money.

Next up is Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH). As one of the world’s leading children’s hospitals, 750 patients with severe illnesses are seen every day. The hospital is well-equipped: it is the UK’s largest paediatric centre, providing over 60 specialist health services. Dating back further than Macmillan to 1852, it rose from humble beginnings - ten beds and two doctors - to the impressive 400 beds and 5400 members of staff it has today. The tutor group who finished second elected GOSH as their charity of choice, so it will receive 30% of the funds raised to help continue their life saving work.

And finally, Lotus Caring Hands. They are a charity to improve education and healthcare in rural Sri Lanka, and aid children living in poverty to improve their lives. The charity pledges to make all donations reach the ‘grass roots’ level - meaning money is used solely to help people on the ground, with administrative costs covered by sponsors and volunteers working for free. This charity will receive the remaining 20% of the money raised.

Thank you to all the students, parents and teachers who donated to these wonderful causes this Charity Day, and especially to the Sixth Formers of Div 13.1 supporting Macmillan, 13.3 and 13.8 supporting GOSH, and 13.9 supporting LCH for the fundraising challenges they organised to give support to the charities they chose.

Writing: Benjamin (Year 10)

Editor: Maximus (Year 13)