Once again we supported Children in Need, this time with a cake sale as the main event, and what a response there was! Mrs Toon was speechless as box after box of cakes arrived in Swallows’ Hill. The biggest problem was finding space to stack them until the sale at morning break. A great big ‘Thank you’ to all the Mums who slaved away over a hot cooker to give us the best cake sale ever.

On top of this we had our usual ‘Cover Pudsey with stickers’ competition. The winner closest to the ‘lucky spot’ was Johnny van Zyl (following in his sister’s footsteps, as Amy won last year). Much to my delight a number of children decided to hold little competitions to raise some money.

Johnny van Zyl ‘How many spots on the cake? Winner Edward Blackman
Lilith Weston and Hannah Walker ‘Guess the date of Pudsey’s birthday' - winner Mrs Albrighton.
Jaya Deshpande, Fiona Simpson, Olivia Rawlins and Jemima Cockroft, a 'Children in Need' quiz - winners Alex Vero and Mrs Burke.
Ellie Withers and Keeley Towlson ‘Pin the bandana on Pudsey’ - winner Jennie Mortiboy.
Evie Smith, Isabelle Underwood and Lilith Weston ‘Guess how old Pudsey is’ - winners Adam Dodd and Olivia Rawlins.
Mrs Eyre even persuaded some of the German students to make Pudsey badges and 4X sold them in Swallows’ Hill.

Considering the enthusiasm and effort made by everyone involved, it is not surprising that we made a record amount of money. We raised a staggering £447.50.

This year I have been raising money for a charity very close to me. Just over two years ago my Grandpa, who I was very close to, died of a heart attack, so instead of going travelling like just about everyone else who takes a gap year, I have decided to compete in endurance mountain bike races (30 miles +) for the British Heart Foundation.

My first big race was called the “Dark Peak Challenge”, a 42-mile race in the Peak District. After months and months of training, the race day came and it was typically northern weather, cold and wet, and winds of up to 30mph on the top of the peaks made it hard to stay on track.  After about six and a half hours I crossed the finishing line in 40th place out of just over 150. Since then I have also competed in another 35 mile event in Hertfordshire.

The help and support I have seen has been brilliant, with special thanks to Mr Beavan’s Senior 3 form, who were given an “apprentice” style task of splitting into groups and coming up with their own innovative ways of fundraising, such as car washing, name the bear, counting sweets in a jar and simply selling sweets.

Also thanks to Mrs Bray and the Swallows Hill groups and recently Mrs Powell’s form.

All of these taken into account, as well as friends, teachers and family donating, we have now raised over £1000 and hopefully this can only increase throughout the year with more races lined up.