A 9-year-old pupil at Queensgate Foundation Primary School in East Cowes has had his prize-winning ‘Schools Walk the Wight’ artwork presented to schoolchildren right across the Isle of Wight, helping spread important messages about the work of Earl Mountbatten Hospice in caring for the last years of life.
Toby Morris was among those who entered a competition to design the Schools Walk the Wight certificate which celebrates the walk’s tenth birthday. Toby’s winning design was then turned into the official certificate, which is being handed to every child who has taken part in the 2016 event.
At a special assembly to present 70 of his Queensgate classmates with medals and certificates, Toby’s win was also recognised with a framed souvenir of his artwork. Explaining why he took part in the competition, Toby said:
“I wanted to raise money to just help the hospice and all of the people who are ill and the people who might need help in the future”. Mum Cheryl, who was present at the assembly, added: “It took him about three days and he really concentrated and he wanted to show everyone what he is capable of! I’m so proud of him.”
The 4-mile Schools Walk takes place on the same day as the main Walk the Wight event, and goes from Freshwater Bay to the Needles Landmark Attraction. Children who take part on the day are presented with their medals at the end of the walk.
However, children can also register to take part through their school. Each school decides how they want to be involved in the event, with many incorporating special Schools Walk the Wight activities and fundraising events into their curriculum. Others clock up their miles in everyday walking activities, such as walking to school or during playtime. Children are given a map and stickers to record their miles and a sponsorship form to raise money for patient and family care for the Hospice. Children who do not take part on the day and have completed their map receive their medal and Toby’s certificate at a special assembly held at their school.
Mrs Samantha Sillito, Headteacher at Queensgate Foundation Primary, explained why Schools Walk the Wight was important to their school:
“It’s about the coming together of the community for a common cause. Everyone is affected at some time in their lives by the work of the Hospice, and it’s good for children to learn that and learn to support others”.
Article continues below this advertisement
Queensgate Primary is one of many schools which will have received a special visit by Hospice Community Events Fundraiser Dani Johnson to personally thank every pupil for their efforts. Dani said:
“This is the favourite part of my job, seeing all the children who have taken part and presenting them with their medals. it’s such a lovely thing to do, they are so proud and to stand up in front of their classmates, it’s such great recognition for their achievement.”
Nigel Hartley, Chief Executive at Earl Mountbatten, added:
“Schools Walk the Wight is a very important way of explaining our work to future generations. We are so grateful to each and every school for taking part in the event and to every pupil who puts their best foot forward. Every penny raised helps us to continue our work in caring for the last years of life of people across the Isle of Wight.”
