College gets active to help local care homes

Since the school closed, the PE Department has been encouraging College pupils to remain active and healthy through a series of weekly challenges posted on their Instagram page.

PE teacher Lauren Marshall, said: “School also wanted to do something to keep everyone active while at the same time supporting those in our community during lockdown.

“It was decided therefore to challenge the school community to run, walk or cycle a total of 500 miles and raise £250 to buy hampers for the elderly residents of local care homes who are currently unable to see their family or friends. These targets were absolutely smashed following an amazing response from our whole school community with staff, pupils (past and present), parents, grandparents, friends and even a Northern Ireland ladies international footballer, Lauren Wade, who completed a combined total of over 2000 miles, while raising a brilliant £1,400 in the process.”

The English Department also got involved, asking pupils to write “letters of hope” for the care homes to accompany the hampers. Over 80 lovely letters have been submitted and are ready to be distributed.

College Principal Ricky Marsh said: “I am so proud of how our school has responded during these uncertain times and how we have stayed connected with not just our school community, but the local community. The PE Challenge has been fantastic. It is refreshing and encouraging to see so many people thinking of others less fortunate, while promoting regular exercise which is crucial for positive physical and mental health.”