Bryanston School pupils have raised more than £11,500 for YMCA Bournemouth through a series of student-led initiatives, including the school’s annual Whole School Walk and an overnight Sleep Out event. YMCA Bournemouth raises awareness of homelessness locally and tackles the hardships of homelessness through various support schemes.
The fundraising at Bryanston began on Sunday 27th April, with the Whole School Walk, a scenic 10 km route that winds through the school’s bluebell-lined woodland and the surrounding Dorset countryside. This longstanding school tradition brought together pupils, staff, Old Bryanstonians, and families for a day of community spirit and charity. A Year 12 pupil rallied classmates to run the course for sponsorship. Joined by 20 fellow runners and supported by staff her efforts raised more than £5,600. Cakes were also baked and sold at checkpoints to boost the fundraising total.
Momentum continued with the highly anticipated A3 Sleep Out on Friday 2nd May. Over 100 Year 12 pupils spent the night on Bryanston’s floodlit astroturf, braving the chill in specially crafted cardboard shelters, a symbolic gesture inspired by the YMCA’s call to “sleep out for one night so that others don’t have to.”
This marks the fourth year Bryanston has taken part in the YMCA initiative, and the event continues to grow in both impact and participation. The evening was supported by event sponsor, Dorset based law firm, Steele Raymond, and featured a cardboard shelter design competition judged by its Chairman, Tim Stone and Bryanston Head, Richard Jones.
Catering staff provided hot chocolate and biscuits, and Steele Raymond treated the pupils to Domino’s Pizza, ensuring morale remained high during the night.
Head of Charities and Outreach, Hannah Fearnley, highlighted the power of community at Bryanston: “A sense of community is at the heart of a Bryanston education and this project has had a huge impact on our pupils. They have raised awareness about homelessness in young people of their own age and have made great efforts to raise money to provide homes for those in need. We have surpassed last year’s total and indeed every other school in our area – this is a great achievement, and we hope it will make a meaningful difference. We’d like to take this opportunity to say a huge thanks to our Bryanston family and friends for their support of the pupils.”
YMCA Bournemouth Chief Executive, Gareth Sherwood, personally contacted Bryanston to congratulate them on the record-breaking effort, highlighting that it was the highest amount raised by any school through a standalone event.
The Bryanston community’s efforts have not only provided crucial support for homeless youth but also a strong sense of purpose, unity, and compassion among pupils.
Categories: Bryanston School School News
