Students at Kirk Hallam Community Academy have handed over more than £480 to help fund specialist playground equipment at Bennerley Fields School.
Sixth formers came up with fund-raising ideas which included creating a calendar of the Sixth Form football team and holding a cake sale.
They also took part in a sponsored row alongside other fund-raisers at Bennerley Fields, covering 874 miles, which is the equivalent distance from Lands End to John O’Groats
The sixth formers decided they wanted to help raise the money following an assembly by Abigail Evans, School Business Manager at Bennerley Fields School.
Bennerley Fields, in Ilkeston, also received a donation of £15,000 from the Lord’s Taverners and the new play equipment, including a wheelchair accessible swing and roundabout, has been officially opened.
Sixth formers from Kirk Hallam attended the opening and James Taylor, 17, said it was great to see the Bennerley pupils enjoying the equipment.
He said: “We had great fun fund-raising and it’s really nice to see the results of that at Bennerley and the effect that it has on the young people there. We are really glad we could help. A lot of us live locally so it’s good to be able to do something for the community.”
David Cowley, Head of Sixth Form at Kirk Hallam Community Academy, said he was proud of the students.
He said: “They took the initiative and came up with their own fund-raising ideas and they raised a tremendous amount whilst having fun along the way. We hope that the children at Bennerley enjoy their fantastic new play equipment for many years to come.”
Marie Brown, regional development executive for the Lord’s Taverners, said: “We provide grants for special equipment for young athletes so that every young person can have a sporting chance. I think the new equipment is fabulous and to see the tangible benefits of the fund-raising done by our volunteers makes it all worthwhile.”
Ann Harrison, head teacher at Bennerley, said: “The children love the new equipment and it makes a huge difference to them. We would like to thank everyone who donated towards the cost.”
