Brentwood School pupil organises walk in the park fundraising event

Big-hearted Brentwood School Sixth Former, Izzy Harkins, has smashed her Afghanaid fund-raising target while raising awareness of the plight of those struggling to survive in war-torn Afghanistan.

Seventeen-year-old Izzy spent four months organising a sponsored dog walk as part of her Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) Artefact, an independent research project, and has raised £1200 in the process.

Izzy’s sponsored event took place on a bright, winter’s morning at South Weald Country Park and attracted 17 dog walkers and their eight four-legged friends. Izzy was also supported by Brentwood School Headmaster, Michael Bond, his wife Suzanne, and their wellbeing Cavapoochon George.

Izzy collected a £2 donation from fellow walkers and set up a stall offering tea, coffee, hot chocolate, snacks and even some home-made doggy treat bags! “I researched and planned the whole event over a period of four months and so far, have managed to raise £1,200 from an initial target of £200,” she explained.

“Everyone enjoyed the walk and chatting with different people. It was also great that all the dogs got on really well with each other and enjoyed their time walking through South Weald.”

Izzy decided to raise funds for Afghanaid because she feared the humanitarian and economic crisis was slipping out of the news headlines. “A lot of people are not aware of everything that is still happening in Afghanistan and to its citizens. I feel quite strongly about this and really wanted to raise awareness of these issues, especially within the school community. A big thank you to everyone who supported me”

The sponsored dog walk took place earlier this month but there is still time to donate via Izzy’s gofundme page