Pupils Raise over £55,000 Charities this Term

Since the start of term, Shrewsbury pupils have once again demonstrated the power of community in action, raising an incredible collective amount of £55,000, for a wide range of causes through initiatives that reflect both creativity and compassion.

From individual endeavours to House-led challenges and pupil-organised events, the breadth of activity has been remarkable.

Leading the way is Max S, who undertook an extraordinary fundraising challenge in Kenya, walking 85 kilometres over three days through the Chyulu Hills to support wildlife rangers working in conservation. Facing demanding terrain, from hot savannah to cold, mist-covered hills,. Max experienced first-hand the realities of the rangers’ work.

His efforts raised more than £50,000, which will fund the renovation of two ranger outposts, improving essential facilities such as water systems, sleeping quarters and cooking areas.

Back in Shrewsbury, pupils have continued to channel the same energy and commitment into a wide range of initiatives. Pupils from Churchill’s Hall launched their first-ever Pink Run in support of breast cancer awareness and care. The challenge was ambitious: to collectively cover the 570km distance from Shrewsbury to Paris within two hours, running laps of Top Common dressed in as much pink as possible.

Led by Head of House Dele S, the boys embraced the challenge with characteristic energy and unity. In the end, they not only reached their goal but surpassed it, covering more than 590km and raising over £2,500.

Dele reflected on the achievement:

“Last weekend, the gentlemen of Churchill’s came together — overcoming self-doubts and physical boundaries — to raise awareness and support for those suffering from the affliction that is breast cancer. We chose Shrewsbury to Paris as a fitting hurdle to overcome as a House. I am so proud of the boys; especially those who went the extra mile — a few of whom ran half marathons — to reach our target. In the end, we smashed our objective, equating to us running many more miles through France and raising over £2,500. We could not be any prouder of what we achieved as a community.”

Equally impressive was the spirit shown throughout the event, with pupils supporting one another at every stage, older boys pacing younger runners, and finishers staying on to cheer their peers home.

Creativity and performance were at the heart of another successful fundraising effort, as Lower Sixth pupils at Mary Sidney Hall organised the much-anticipated Shrewsbury’s Got Talent. Supporting Emerald Children’s Home and The Ark, the evening brought together an array of performances, from live music to dance and acrobatics, showcasing the depth of talent across the School.

The event was a true community effort, with pupils managing everything from performances to backstage production. After a closely contested competition, The Moles band claimed first place with their energetic rendition of Teenage Dirtbag, followed by standout performances from Hannah and a Just Dance group featuring Erin, Georgia, Al and Reggie.

A charity netball tournament, organised by Bibi (U6, QEH), brought together over 120 pupils in teams representing a wide range of sports and interests, many in creative fancy dress.

Bibi reflected on the event:

"On the 19th of April, I ran a charity netball tournament, with the help of the amazing Queen Elizabeth Hall Girls, and teachers Mrs Pritchard (Head of Charities & Volunteering) and Miss Jones (Head of PE & Netball). The tournament was in aid of a wonderful initiative, led by the High Sheriff of Shropshire, campaigning for youth awareness. The programme is centred around fundraising for young people, by other young people, and is both a fantastic and successful initiative that the High Sheriff has led.

"Over 120 students competed in the tournament, compiled into teams of various sports and fancy dress. The best-dressed award of the day went to the Smurfs team - who showed real dedication by coming 2nd in the tournament whilst fully covered in blue paint! Other teams included students representing Rugby, Chemistry, rowing, hockey, Staff, dance, and many more. It was wonderful to see so many students engaged in fundraising, and I would like to thank everyone for the wonderful support on the day.

"After a very successful tournament, the 1st Team Netball remained victorious, and it will be interesting to see if any teams can dethrone their title next year, as the tournament establishes its annual status. In addition, if anyone who missed out on the tournament would like to contribute to this initiative, there is a JustGiving page where donations can be made to support the Youth Awareness Campaign; any contribution is greatly appreciated and will support the change we are hoping to make."

Across all these initiatives, a consistent theme emerges: pupils taking ownership, working collaboratively, and using their talents and energy to support others. Whether through sport, performance, or personal challenge, this term’s fundraising efforts are a powerful reflection of Shrewsbury’s commitment to Partnership and Community Engagement, and of the values that underpin a whole person education.

ENDS