A Stafford school has topped this week’s Charity Champion awards after raising over £500 for Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity to support an appeal close to their hearts.

Inspired by fellow school pupil, nine-year-old Millie Turner, staff and students at Cooper Perry School in Stafford hosted their very own Jolly Jumper Day.

Earlier this year, Millie, who has a rare chromosome syndrome called Potocki Lupski Syndrome, had a major operation which was extremely complicated and carried many significant risks - she was in theatre for over 10 hours.

In the lead up to this operation, the anxieties felt by Millie’s parents were immense. Mum, Kathryn remembers: “This was an extremely worrying and scary time for us all and although I was incredibly concerned for Millie, my worry also lay with the impact it would have on my other two children.”

The Turner family are now supporting Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity’s Out To Play Appeal which is raising money to re-vamp the outdoor playground for the children and their siblings at the hospital.

Mum, Kathryn added: “The outside playground provides a little bubble of fun and relief for Millie’s brother and sister, it meant our chats and catch-ups could happen outside rather than in a closed clinical room, adding a bit of normality to an unusual and difficult situation.

“As Millie got stronger the first place she requested to be wheel chaired to was the playground and her sister Flo took great pride in wheeling her there. It also served as a great physiotherapy incentive as once Millie was outside she seemed to relax a little and wanted to get around and move about more than she did on the ward which really aided her recovery. It also meant we could relax - knowing it was a secure space where the flooring was soft and the equipment was safe!”

To support their classmate and the Out To Play Appeal, Cooper Perry School hosted a Jolly Jumper Day where parents, staff and pupils joined together for a festive-themed coffee morning and performances from the school choir, all whilst wearing their favourite Christmas knits.

The day raised an incredible £500 for the children’s hospital charity which will be donated to the Out to Play Appeal fund.

Miranda Williams, Public Fundraising Manager at Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital Charity, added: “It’s so inspirational to hear how Millie’s friends and classmates have supported her in raising money for this appeal.

“The money raised will go towards our Out To Play Appeal and help to make such a difference to the children, young people and families at our hospital by providing them with a vibrand new outdoor playground to escape from the wards and clinical atmosphere allowing them to get fresh air and exercise.”

For more information on Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity’s Out To Play Appeal visit www.bch.org.uk/outtoplay, email [email protected] or call 0121 333 8506. To donate by text, please text OTPL17 followed by your donation to 70070 (e.g. OTPL17 £5) (standard terms apply)