Ripon Grammar students have raised more than £9,000 to help support those living with a disease which has touched the lives of many in their school community.
The school’s annual Charity Week saw pupils plan and run a range of activities including games stalls, quizzes, dance competitions, a fashion show, staff pantomime, bake sales and sports challenges to raise money and awareness for Parkinson’s UK.
The organising team proudly presented their impressive fundraising total of £9,050 to Ailsa Dragan, community fundraiser for Parkinson’s UK, at a special school assembly.
Students including head girl Zara Ali, who nominated the charity to be the beneficiary of this year’s fundraising, told how supporting Parkinson’s UK was especially meaningful because the condition had affected members of the school community and their families.
Ms Dragan told the students:
“Between you, you’ve raised over £9,000, it’s obviously an incredible amount of money and we’re going to make sure it’s put to good use, towards supporting people to live well with Parkinson’s here and now, through things like our Parkinson’s local advisors and helpline and also researching for those better treatments and that cure.”
“A massive thank you from myself and the whole of the Parkinson’s community to everybody from Ripon Grammar School."
Zara, whose grandmother Janie sadly died after suffering complications from Parkinson’s disease, said:
“I am excited to know our donations will help fund pioneering research projects, so that new treatments can be developed and future generations do not need to face the same challenges that we do now.”
She thanked all those who had supported this very important cause, and said that students were delighted their fundraising would help support sufferers of one of the fastest-growing progressive neurological conditions in the world and their families, in addition to giving vital medical research projects a boost.
Zara said:
“We feel it’s a very important charity as the disease is on the rise in the UK with around 166,000 people living with it, and someone new being diagnosed every 20 minutes.
“This is why it is vital that more people are educated about Parkinson's, as raising awareness allows those affected to receive the support they need.”
Harrogate-based Sporting Influence Foundation to tackle 24 climbs in 24 hours
Giant vegetables take centre stage at Harrogate Autumn Flower Show
Alpamare waterpark to be sold to 'protect its future' with private investment
Roadworks causing growing disruption in Harrogate and Knaresborough, officials admit
Yorkshire artist brings Harrogate's Old Market Hall back to life
Martin House hosts first children's palliative care conference
Judge appointed to lead inquiry into North Yorkshire mental health trust
Harrogate group raise more than £40,000 with cycle to Bordeaux
Scotton pub wins Tripadvisor award for seventh year running
Almost 2,000 people sign Knaresborough landslip petition
Police appeal after Range Rover damaged in Knaresborough
St Aidan's teacher recognised at national Teacher of the Year Awards
Bramham Park to host its first Christmas market
Harvest gown unveiled for flower show's 50th anniversary
Ripon's Mario's Restaurant named among Tripadvisor's top 10%
Harrogate Rugby Club reveals plans for clubhouse expansion and padel courts
Police appeal after Lister House minibus vandalised in Ripon
Council urged to "show me the money" and provide evidence of home-to-school policy change savings
Kate Mosse and Prue Leith among stars of Harrogate Literature Festival
Ripon among UK's top cities for missing parcels
