Lego fundraiser at Chestnut Park

Children at Chestnut Park Primary in Croydon kept it close when it came to festive fundraising this year.​

​The school, which is a member of the GLF Schools Multi-Academy Trust, held a Christmas Jumper Day on Wednesday 11 December to raise money for South London charity James Box of Smiles.

Set up by Jane Carpenter in memory of her son, James, who died of a brain tumour in 2022 at the age of 22, the charity donates Lego to children, teenagers and adults undergoing cancer treatment at hospitals across the region.

All 602 pupils at Chestnut Park took part in the fundraiser, dressing in seasonal knitwear and decorating gingerbread which had been provided by the school’s caterers.

“Jane, the Charity CEO, came in to help across the school with the activity,” said Sarah Rumbol, who is Head of School. 

“All the children made and decorated gingerbread Christmas trees, which had been donated by our catering company, Chartwells, to take home in return for their donation.

“We have raised more than £300 in previous years, and hope to have raised more than £600 this time.”

Other GLF members taking part in their own Christmas Jumper Day celebrations included Merstham Park School in Redhill, Meridian High School in Croydon, and Greenway Junior School in Horsham.

“We love to be involved with fundraising for excellent causes, and teach the children about community and British values,” added Mrs Rumbol. 

“This charity holds a special place for Rachel Jacob, our Executive Head, who knew James and his family personally from her previous school.

“Jane and her husband came to our school in October to speak to the children about the charity, so they were excited to raise money.”