de Stafford Community Supports Shooting Star Children's Hospices

de Stafford School was incredibly proud to welcome representatives from Shooting Star Children’s Hospices for a special cheque presentation celebrating the fantastic fundraising efforts of our students and staff.

Over the past two weeks, students have taken part in a series of RAG Week fundraising events, throwing themselves into a fun-filled programme of activities including bake sales, lip-sync battles, football and dodgeball tournaments, ice-pop and gift sales, and a memorable grand finale of "Massioke", where the whole school came together in the hall to sing and celebrate. The week was a wonderful example of the enthusiasm, generosity and community spirit that makes de Stafford such a special place.

The students truly went above and beyond in their support of this incredible cause. From donating their own pocket money to creating and selling hand crocheted gifts, every contribution demonstrated thoughtfulness, compassion and a genuine desire to make a difference.

The cause is particularly close to the hearts of the school community. Behaviour Support Mentor, Holly Williams, chose to support Shooting Star Children’s Hospices in memory of her daughter, Elsie, who received care and support from the hospice. Since Elsie’s passing, Holly, alongside family, friends and supporters, has raised an incredible £200,000+ for the charity, helping to ensure that other families can access the same vital support.

As the only children's hospice serving Surrey, Shooting Star Children’s Hospices provides essential specialist care for babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions, as well as support for their families. The charity relies heavily on donations from the community, receiving only limited government funding, making fundraising initiatives such as this even more important.

The cheque presentation was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on what can be achieved when a community comes together behind a cause that matters. We are immensely proud of every student, member of staff and family who contributed. Not only did they help raise a significant sum for an outstanding charity, but they also demonstrated the values of kindness, empathy and community fostered every day at de Stafford. A huge thank you goes to everyone who supported the fundraising efforts. 

If you would like to support this wonderful cause, donations can be made here: Donate - Shooting Star Children’s Hospices

de Stafford School is a seven-form mixed entry school based in Caterham, Surrey. The school joined GLF Schools in December 2016 and has classes from Year 7 to 11. For information about the school, please contact info@destafford.org.uk.