Learn-AT Schools Celebrate Year of Fundraising for Rainbows Hospice for Babies, Children and Young People
Colleagues from Learn Academies Trust (Learn-AT), an educational trust of 19 schools in the East Midlands, were honoured to visit Rainbows Hospice for Babies, Children and Young People recently, to present them with a cheque for £5945. After school council members across the Trust selected Rainbows Hospice to be their Charity of the Year, the campaign received overwhelming support from children, parents, staff and school community members. Numerous events have taken place over the last 12 months aiming to raise as much money as possible for this worthwhile cause, including a 140km bike ride undertaken by the Trust Central Team, who cycled to all of the Trust schools in one day.
As the only children’s hospice in the East Midlands, Rainbows cares for hundreds of families every year who have a baby, child, or young person with a serious or terminal illness. After visiting the hospice, it was inspiring to see the work that they do and the unwavering support they provide to families during life’s most challenging times.
Rainbows also offers long-term bereavement support for families grieving the devastating loss of a child which has been especially invaluable to a family from the Trust following the tragic loss of pupil Hattie, who sadly passed away in April. Hattie has been firmly in everyone’s thoughts during this year’s fundraising efforts.
Trust Deputy CEO, Steve Roddy said “It was truly a privilege to visit Rainbows Hospice and see firsthand the amazing and adaptive facilities available and meet some of the wonderful staff members who make such a difference to families that are facing huge challenges. It was also inspirational to hear about the work that Rainbows undertakes in the community, bringing accessible services to children and families all over the county.
I am so proud of the way our Trust community has embraced the challenge of raising funds for this important charity that has such a big impact on the lives of so many families. We were delighted to hand over a cheque for £5945 and are looking at ways to build a lasting partnership with Rainbows.”
Kerry Laurie, Community Fundraiser from Rainbows added; “We are delighted to have the support of Learn-AT and look forward to working with everyone there. Without the support of groups in the community, we wouldn’t be able to continue providing support to hundreds of babies, children, young people and their families, wherever they need us.”
