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Headmaster to attempt 24-hour "Squashathon" for Children's Hospice South West
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Jul 2, 2009 - 2:00:50 AM

12 noon, September 18 - 12 noon, September 19, 2009.

Warminster School has well-established links with the Children's Hospice South-West but this is possibly the largest whole-school charity project we have attempted in our 302-year history.

Children's Hospice South-West (CHSW) exists to support children who are affected by life-limiting conditions (meaning that they will not reach adulthood) and also the families of these children. The mission statement of CHSW is "making the most of short and precious lives". The charity currently has two hospices in the South-West, with a further hospice to follow in Cornwall within the next couple of years. In each of their wonderful facilities, Little Bridge House and Charlton Farm, they have 8 children's bedrooms, and plenty of accommodation for parents and the rest of the family. The aim has been to keep the feel of the hospices as "Home from Home" environments. In preparing for a child coming to stay, the bedroom will be made welcoming with some of their favourite books, DVDs and toys.

The Headmaster went to Charlton Farm a few weeks ago to see the facilities for himself. "It was an uplifting and yet humbling experience," he said, "and one which made me more determined than ever to ensure that we, as a school community, can and will make a difference."

The hospices cater for four distinct but inter-connected needs: for respite care, for palliative care, for emergency care and for end-of-life care. CHSW receives very little funding from the state and relies on individual, community, corporate and grant making bodies to raise funds through donations. This means that the organisation is always in need of funds to sustain their efforts – but it also means that the hospices retain a feel somewhere between that of a hotel and a family home. Yet, despite this homely feel, they have all the staff and facilities required to look after children who require 24-hour care, whilst allowing siblings and parents the chance to breathe, relax and to spend precious time as a family.

""I was amazed by the quality of the facilities and by the commitment and professionalism of the staff. It is a truly wonderful place," said Mr Priestley. The aim is that I will play squash for 24 hours – non-stop. The rules of squash allow a minute’s break between games – that’s all I will get. I will start at 12 noon on Friday 18 September on the school's squash court and I will finish (you guessed it!) at noon on Saturday 19 September. I hope that the students of Warminster School will, in half-hour slots, provide the bulk of the opposition, but if you give generously enough and would like to play against me yourself, I am open to (charitable) bribery!"

Jonah Barrington, one of the greatest players in the history of the game, has agreed to play the final half-hour against Mr Priestley. "It’s a huge honour for me as a humble club player, and a real sign of how much he too was inspired by CHSW."

"If each child at Warminster School could raise just £20 in sponsorship for me, then we as a school community would smash the £10,000 barrier. This is an ambitious target – but one which would make a real difference to the wonderful work of the CHSW."

We will, before the end of this term, be showing a DVD to as many tutor groups as possible, to raise awareness of the cause and to fire up enthusiasm for the fund-raising to make it all worthwhile.

The Headmaster has also set up a link to a fundraising website at the address below: http://www.justgiving.com/squashathon-warminster-school . It is very easy to use to donate online – and this automatically collects all the 'gift aid' so that CHSW will gain the maximum benefit.

Finally, all students will be given a sponsorship form if they would prefer to collect sponsorship the traditional way!

Please do give generously – for a fantastic cause – and please do encourage your friends and families to do likewise! Those who raise the most funds will be "rewarded" (if that is the right word!) by the opportunity to play against the Headmaster for a half-hour slot.

Thank you very much, in anticipation, for your support. If you would like to come and cheer the Headmaster on when it comes to September 18^th – 19^th, you’ll know where to find him!