Kennet School raises £2,200 for charity in non-uniform day

Former teacher, diagnosed with disease, inspires pupils to raise cash

Kennet School presented a cheque for £2,200 to Parkinson’s UK last week, after raising the impressive sum at a non-uniform day held at the end of October.

The Thatcham school was joined at the cheque ceremony last week, by Monique Warharm, who worked in the modern foreign languages department for 17 years and who was diagnosed with the condition in September 2014.

As part of the fundraising day all 70 tutor groups in the school learned about Parkinson’s, its symptoms and how the money raised would improve the lives of those affected.

Monique Warham said: “I want to thank all at Kennet, and in particular Mr Dick and the school council, for making this non-uniform day happen.

“I am so proud of the pupils at Kennet, many of whom I have taught, and I am overwhelmed by their kindness.”

Headteacher Paul Dick said: “The students readily responded to the talk from Monique Warham and agreed that this should be a key charity for us this year.

“Therefore, we are happy to devote the entire sum of £2,200 from the school’s non-uniform day to this worthy cause.

“The children at this school are sensitive to the needs of others and were particularly struck by the information given to them by a former much-loved and admired teacher.

“I am delighted our pupils had this opportunity and I congratulate them on their generosity.”

Regional fundraiser for Parkinson’s UK South Central, Jenni Green, said: “I’d like to say a big thank you to Monique, Mr Dick and all the pupils and staff at Kennet School for helping us to raise funds and awareness of Parkinson’s.

“I hope their success will inspire others to organise their own fundraising events for Parkinson’s UK in the future.”