Primary school pupils donate leavers party money to Sheffield Children’s Hospital

An end-of-year party for the pupils at Marlcliffe School, in Wadsley, had been scheduled to take place at Hillsborough Arena in October but following the government’s banning both indoor and outdoor gatherings of more than six people, this was cancelled.

Instead, the children decided to donate the money already collected for the event to Sheffield Children’s Hospital in an effort to help others in need during the pandemic.

Organiser Dawn Thompson, whose 11-year-old daughter Grace is part of the class of 2020, said the heartfelt gesture was a testament to how the teaching at Marlcliffe School has enabled the pupils to become caring and polite individuals.

She said: “As parents, we arranged the leaving do for July 10 at the Hillsborough Arena, we were planning a DJ, photobooth, food and just a general party.

"Not all the children wanted to participate and due to the date many were on holiday but we managed to get £10 from 61 children. There are around 73 in the year so we did really well. Unfortunately due to the climate, this was cancelled and the children wanted this rearranging to October 2 as a kind of reunion, sadly following the latest announcement this was also cancelled.

"It was devastating for the children but they decided that instead of having their money back they would donate this to The Sheffield Children's Hospital. Their thoughts were that out of such a bad time something good could come out of this and help other children in need.”

A total of £600 has now been gifted to the Sheffield Children’s Hospital, after some parents opted to top-up the original £10 donation for the cause.

Ms. Thompson added: “Many of the Year Six children have been out of school since March, but they’ve just had such a positive attitude. It’s a testament to the teaching at Marlcliffe and how it has made them who they are today.

"They are such a lovely group of children, they’re so polite and with all this that has happened they are still confident and haven’t been phased at all.”

Thank you to all who support local journalism with a digital or print subscription to The Star. The events of 2020 mean trusted, local journalism is more reliant than ever on your support. We couldn't do it without you.

Subscribe here www.thestar.co.uk/subscriptions so we can keep campaigning on your behalf. Stay safe.