John Betts Primary School teachers join the students in their fundraising efforts

At the beginning of the 2022/23 school year, the school council at John Betts Primary School in Hammersmith chose London’s Air Ambulance Charity as their charity for the year.

The school council – part of the school’s pupil voice initiative – is made up of two students from each school year (not including reception) and make recommendations to implement change on behalf of the students.

When selecting their charity for the year – for which the whole year’s fundraising is dedicated to – a shortlist of three was created. After debates and discussions, the children decided on London’s Air Ambulance Charity.

“I’ve been in primary education for 10 years now,” said Year 5 Teacher at John Betts, Sarah Collinson, “and it’s usually always an animal charity!

“It’s brilliant to see the children pick London’s Air Ambulance Charity – a charity that provides a service for us all.”

The school’s Head Girl – who runs the school council alongside the Head Boy – said:

“We chose London’s Air Ambulance Charity because it’s so important. We never know when we might actually need the service, or if someone we care about might need it.”

While the children have been fundraising with bake sales and a school disco, the teachers of John Betts decided they would join in with the fundraising initiatives too.

“Over a cup of tea in the staff room, we planned a fun run for us all,” said Sarah. “We advertised it at school and in our newsletters, and some parents, friends and family sponsored us.”

On 11 June, in the baking heat, 12 members of John Betts teaching staff met and completed their charity run. They held two different routes – one five kilometres and one 10 – which ended together at the same point.

“Afterwards, we then all had a picnic! It was a lovely day – just very hot for running!

“It ticked so many boxes – we got a physical health benefit, a mental health benefit, a social aspect and we raised some money! I set a target of £250 originally, but I’m thrilled to say we’re currently up to £670! I’m so glad we decided to do it.”

We’re so thankful to John Betts Primary School – pupils and staff – and look forward to seeing if the children can beat the teachers in their fundraising efforts! Thank you so much to everyone who has been involved.

If you would like to do some fundraising with your school, please reach out to our team today.