THE POWER OF COMMUNITY
The ‘Bournemouth Runners’, in between marathon training and school work, organised a lunchtime charity fundraiser as part of their sterling efforts to support a friend and continue to raise awareness for teenage cancer. They encouraged friends, family, many cake-bakers, The Secret Baker Westbury, Barber Tom and the Warminster School community to help out.
After raising over an incredible £13,000 for Orchid, the boys turned their attention to further fundraising ventures and after chatting with Will’s family, they chose Abby’s Heroes Charity. The aim of the charity is to help and support children and their families, including bereaved families, who come under the care of the Teenagers and Young Adults (TYA) wards at Southampton General Hospital. They offer financial and practical help as well as the opportunity to make lasting memories for the children and their families.
The Bournemouth Runners commented, “For those who don’t know who we are, we have been branded the ‘Bournemouth Runners’. We are a group of Lower and Upper Sixth boys who have come together to raise money and awareness for male and teenage cancer. We have been amazed at the support we have received so far, and thank everyone for following our story and Instagram, baking and buying cakes, being pelted by wet sponges, and teachers shaving their heads to support us and Will’s family today. Donations will be going to the Abby’s Heroes Charity, who are amazing and support so many children and families who are in the same situation as Will and his family.”
Director of Sixth Form, Gill Walmsley said, “The boys have been fantastic with their organisation and dedication to pull off today and they are so very thankful for the support they have received. Our Bournemouth Runners would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the entire Warminster community for coming together and showing their unwavering support. In just under an hour, they were able to raise an incredible £1,850.”
Special shoutout to our wonderful teaching staff for their dedication and willingness to participate in all the fun and games, including being on the receiving end of wet sponges and one or two buzz cuts. A huge thank you also goes out to Tom and Martim from Barber Tom in Warminster for generously donating their time and services. Thank you, Warminster, for your amazing generosity and community spirit!
Watch all the action here and view images on Flickr
