Pupils at Maple Hayes Dyslexia School in Lichfield have raised over £1000 for the Help for Heroes charity in a single month. Jeremy Hobbs, Help for Heroes county co-ordinator for Staffordshire received a cheque from the school and spoke to pupils about the work of the charity, explaining that all the money they raised went directly to good works to benefit soldiers. He also explained some of the facilities that the charity has provided over the past couple of years. A soldier, on leave from serving in Afghanistan had been into the school late last year to tell children what life was like on the front line.

Head teacher Dr Daryl Brown said; “Maple Hayes pupils have a history of excellent response to charity fundraising. Having a solider talking to them to explain some of the facts about serving in war meant a lot to them. Listening to him put the work of the soldiers and the charity into context and made fundraising more relevant.”

“Money was raised by the sale of cakes and chocolates in school, created or donated by pupils or their families. This happened during December and added to the feeling of festive fun. We wouldn’t normally encourage that amount of confectionery in school, but it coincided with an indulgent time of year and served to focus attention of the plight of injured soldiers and helped everyone to concentrate on giving. Raising over £1000 is quite remarkable considering we only have around 100 pupils in the school.”

Fundraisers Jack Gayton from Tamworth and James Dance from Burntwood presented the cheque for £1001.80 to Jeremy Hobbs and Hero bear, watched by Dr Brown.

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Photo caption; Maple Hayes Help for Heroes Cheque l-r pupils Jack Gayton and James Dance with Headteacher Dr Daryl Brown and Help for Heroes volunteer Jerermy Hobbs