Students and staff at Grace Academy Darlaston, Walsall are this week’s Charity Champions, after raising an incredible £5,128.29 for Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity.

Pupils were inspired to raise as much as possible for the children’s hospital, after they chose the charity as their ‘Charity Of The Year’. The school wanted to give back to the hospital after a number of students received care there, with one particular student receiving treatment for cancer for over three years. 

From a Big Skip event to a sponsored release of over 200 balloons, the sky is the limit for the pupils at Grace Academy Darlaston. The school went above and beyond to raise as much money as possible and they haven’t finished yet! The pupils have planned further fundraising activities for this year’s festive period, where they will be wearing their festive knits and hosting their very own Jolly Jumper Day and Christmas Fayre in aid of the hospital’s charity. 

Rachael Wright, Ethos Youth Worker at the school, added: “We realised that a lot of children have been treated at the children’s hospital in the past and wanted to fully support this worthy cause. The students have worked tirelessly to raise the money, and we’re pleased to be giving a percentage of the funds we have raised to the Oncology Unit where one of our own students is being treated.

“The students have learned that small actions, when put together, can make a massive difference.  It’s a small thing to buy a balloon for 50p, but when you look at bigger picture you can see it has a big impact.”

Miranda Williams, Public Fundraising Manager at Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, added: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to the students at staff at Grace Academy Darlaston for raising such a phenomenal amount of money for our hospital. It makes a huge difference to the children, young people and families we look after.

“Our Jolly Jumper Day is a great way to get involved in fundraising for our hospital this festive season, all you have to do is dig out your favourite Christmas jumper and invite your friends, family and colleagues to do the same – don’t forget to donate!”

For more information about Jolly Jumper Day or Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, email [email protected] or call 0121 333 8506.