Students donate hundreds of Easter Eggs to local hospice

Charitable students at Waltham Toll Bar provided more than 400 Easter Eggs to the children at St Andrew’s Hospice.

Students and families really got behind the initiative, which was the concept of the school’s student committee supported by senior Academy staff.

From Easter eggs to marshmallows, the students committed to the cause, with some bringing in more than 10 donations.

Ziya Bokta (Year 7) said: "I really liked donating the Easter Eggs, it makes you feel really good knowing you've done something to help others, my form collected over 20 things so it’s nice to see it make others happy."

Assistant Principal, Mr O. Fothergill, who organised the event, said: “It has been wonderful to see so many of our young people get behind a charitable initiative once again.

"Waltham Toll Bar is committed to supporting our community partners and providing our students with a sense of pride in where they are from. To have so many students want to get behind such an idea makes all of us at Waltham Toll Bar incredibly proud.”

Student Ambassador Freddie Chapple (Year 10) said: “It’s really important for us to spread some happiness and joy this Easter.

I know a lot of the students really liked the idea and really got involved.”

Fellow Year 10 student Nuala Stephenson brought in a lot of items and said: “I think it’s really important we do our best to give what we can to organisations such as St Andrew’s Hospice and I know they do amazing work. It has been great just being able to do something nice for others.”

Charity Fundraising and Events Co-ordinators Tina Doyley and Stephanie Sewell greeted the students who helped deliver the many Easter Eggs. Tina Doyley said: “Waltham Toll Bar are regular supporters of ours and we really do appreciate everything they do for us.”

Stephanie added: “Waltham Toll Bar do a lot for the hospice and as it’s a big school with lots of students, we always get a great response.”

They confirmed that the Easter donations will be distributed across the hospice at their Easter Party at Andy’s Children’s Hospice and in the adult unit. They also intend to use the donations in their wellbeing groups and to help those who may struggle to celebrate Easter with a loved one being cared for in the hospice.

The Easter Egg donations are one part of the Academy’s charity programme which has, so far this academic year, raised more than £3,000 for local and national causes as well as donating 2000-plus items to local food banks.