Hunstanton students step out for charity

Although no ‘cake walk’, both cakes and walking featured when fundraisers at a Hunstanton school took part in this year’s Comic Relief, with the aim of raising more than £500 for the annual charity appeal.

​Students across all year groups at Smithdon High School participated in Red Nose Day on Friday 21 March, which saw them sport non-uniform and undertake a sponsored fitness challenge – as well as enjoy some home-baked cakes.

In 2024, the school, which is part of the West Norfolk Academies Trust, raised over £400 for Comic Relief – a figure that they hope to have exceeded this year, with a target of £500 to beat.

“We hope to have raised more than £500 from the non-uniform day and cake sale, and students were also challenged to see how many laps of the school field they could complete in one hour,” explained Alix Birks, who teaches Design Technology at Smithdon, and supported the School Council in organising the event.

“This took place during students’ core PE lessons that week,” she continued. “We encouraged students to raise sponsorship donations from friends and family to raise money for Comic Relief.”

Staff at Smithdon also dressed down for the day, while additional funds were raised by a group of students who worked together to run a charity Cake Sale at the school.

“Our Year 10 and 11 ASDAN students organised a Cake Sale, which took place at break and lunch times in the Main Hall,” added Mrs Birks. 

“We asked students to bring cash to buy cakes and contribute to our fundraising effort.

“There was no theme, just non-uniform – and students were encouraged to wear a Comic Relief red nose as well.”

“With its theme of ‘Go Big’ this year, for 40 years of Comic Relief as a national charity offering important support to children and those in need in local communities in the UK and worldwide, we felt we needed to ‘go big’ too, and organise an additional event to try to beat last year’s fundraising,” said Headteacher Amanda Gibbins.

“It’s great to see the students getting involved to support those less fortunate than themselves all around the world, and understanding the plight of others, including within our own community.”

To support Smithdon’s fundraising efforts and donate to Comic Relief, go to: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/rnd25-smithdon-high-school