Best foot forward – Lockers Park School’s sponsored walk in aid of Hope for Children and The Collett School

Today, Lockers Park staff, pupils, parents, and canine companions gathered together for a sponsored walk around Hemel Hempstead to raise funds for local charities Hope for Children and The Collett School. With over 300 people in attendance, the annual end of term sponsored five-mile walk yet again proved a huge success. The school aims to raise over £5000, with funds split between the two worthwhile causes.

Hope for Children is an international charity based in Hemel Hempstead. It passionately believes every child has the right to a happy, healthy and positive childhood by improving access to education and healthcare, and by empowering families to support themselves. The Collett School SEN is a neighbouring school that makes a positive impact on young children with learning difficulties and cognitive disabilities, helping them learn, grow, achieve and thrive.

Lockers Park Headmaster Christopher Wilson said: ‘This is a wonderful event where staff, pupils and parents all come together. Our annual sponsored walk not only teaches our pupils the importance of respect, compassion and a sense of responsibility about the world they live in, but also shows them what can be achieved by joining forces. We hope that the money raised will help make a difference to some of the children living both here in the UK and in countries such as Ghana and India.’

Representatives from Hope for Children at the walk included Fundraising & Events Assistants Maz Di Felice and Zara Bokhari. Ed Fletcher, Head of Fundraising & Communications, commented: ‘In the last four years, Hope for Children has helped 161,000 children and adults realise their right to education, healthcare and a stable family environment. Thank you to Lockers Park for thinking of us: the money raised will go directly to help families across the globe create sustainable solutions.’

Walking with a group of pupils, staff and trusty therapy dog Flynn from The Collett School, Headteacher Stephen Hoult-Allen said: ‘The Collett School is striving to become a flagship for special education, and our mission is to support the children to grow in confidence, giving them as much independence as possible to enable them to be part of society and contribute to the community. We rely heavily on donations from a range of different sources including amazing fundraising events such as this. Thank you to our fantastic supporters at Lockers Park again this year!’