The whole school voted on three charities to raise money for throughout the year. An international one – WaterAid, a national one – Cancer Research and a local one the Skylark Ward at Kettering General Hospital. Students voted in their tutor groups and then held a ‘mufti’ day to raise the money.

Vice Principal Mr Simon Underwood together with two Year 8 students then visited the ward to present the cheque and learn how the money would be spent.

Lead Nurse for Children’s Services Donna Mason said, ‘We were overwhelmed when we heard how much the staff and students at Brooke Weston Academy have raised for us. We are extremely grateful when we receive donations as it really helps to make a difference on the ward and to children’s lives.

‘We have 26 beds on Skylark Ward and see children from 0-18 years old who can be admitted for anything from a routine operation, like having tonsils removed, broken bones, emergency patients and children who might need to stay longer term.

‘With the money we are planning to put it towards a patient monitor which is a portable monitor that we can move around the ward and can be crucial in assessing and monitoring children for illnesses such as Sepsis, as it allows us to detect heart rates and oxygen levels and act fast if we need to, helping us to save lives.’

Year 8 student Andrea Ungrenu said, ‘I felt privileged to be chosen to present the cheque to the ward and see exactly where the money we have raised as a school will go to help the children. I think it is important to support local charities because you get to see first hand how your money can help to save and change lives and you can make a difference to the community where you live.‘

Mr Simon Underwood said, ‘We are pleased to support the great work that happens every day in the Skylark Ward. Our students and staff are extremely proud to have an opportunity to contribute towards improving children’s’ lives.’