School friends get walking for Raife & James

PUPILS from Forest & Sandridge School took part in a sponsored walk this month, raising £400 in support of two fellow students. 

The money raised will be split between local charity Raising for Raife and the Bristol Children’s Hospital.

The school chose Raising for Raife in support of 4-year old Forest & Sandridge pupil Raife Wilson who was born with cerebral palsy. The charity is aiming to raise enough money to pay for a special operation to help him walk on his own.

Bristol Children’s Hospital was chosen in honour of 8-year old Forest & Sandridge pupil, James Little, who is receiving ongoing treatment and support from the hospital after being diagnosed in 2017 with a rare auto-immune condition. Forest & Sandridge pupils, including Raife and James, walked for one-mile during their sports day on Tuesday 4th June, cheered on by parents and teachers. 

Raife’s mother, Laura Wilson, told Melksham News, “The staff and pupils at Forest & Sandridge are such a kind, caring and close-knit community. Raife and James were encouraged and cheered on by all the pupils, never treating them any different. 

“The fact that the children chose to raise money for them is just a reflection of the values they are taught at home and in school. It is a credit to all the adults responsible in the teaching, guiding and shaping of the students at school and at home – so humbling to see. 

James’ parents, Kim and Stuart Little said, “We are so happy that the school is supporting the great work of the Bristol Children’s Hospital. James has been attending the  hospital since February 2017 when he was diagnosed with a rare auto-immune condition – stiff person syndrome plus PERM (progressive encephalomyelitis with rigidity and myoclonus). 

“Only a handful of children have this condition in the world.  He has had long stays in hospital, sometimes for a month at a time, and had numerous operations. 

“James now has monthly infusions to try and stabilise his condition and currently has weekly clinic appointments. The hospital and all the staff have been amazing and we can’t thank them enough. ”

Deputy headteacher, Helen Biles-Wood added,  “We are really pleased and proud that our children are able to support charities that are important to the children in our school community. We hope that any funds we raise can make a positive difference.”