Manor House School pupil wins national charity Christmas card competition

A Manor House School pupil has been named as one of the national winners of Leeds Building Society’s Christmas card competition, which will raise money for Samaritans.

Almost 100 designs, based on a ‘Listening At Christmas’ theme, were submitted for this year’s competition, with two chosen to be transformed into Christmas cards. The judging panel picked a design by Cassandra Clarence, 11, a Year 7 pupil and art scholar at the Bookham-based school, as one of two winners. Her card is now available at the Society’s 55 branches, including the nearby Epsom branch. All proceeds raised through the Christmas cards in Leeds Building Society branches will be donated to Samaritans, as part of the Society’s aim to raise £250,000 for its charity partner by March 2020.

Richard Fearon, Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Leeds Building Society, said: ‘It’s been great to see so many entries from children across the UK and it was very difficult for the judging panel to pick its two favourites. The cards look fantastic and are available across our branch network. We believe the donation of all proceeds raised through our Christmas cards campaign demonstrates our commitment to Samaritans, which has already seen our colleagues and members raise over £100,000.’

The prize for Cassandra's design was a £50 book token and a donation of £250 to Manor House School from Leeds Building Society for use as part of a wellbeing-focused project.

Samaritans CEO Ruth Sutherland said: ‘Congratulations to Cassandra on a beautiful design, and thank you to everyone who took part in the competition. Together you have helped ensure that everyone has someone they can talk to this Christmas. I look forward to sending these winning cards myself – and hope I receive one or two as well!’

The winner of the under-11 category was York schoolboy Isaac Savage.

To find the closest Leeds Building Society branch where the Christmas cards are available, visit the Society’s branch finder.