John O’Gaunt students riding high in the community
John O’Gaunt School’s proactive Student Leadership Group celebrated raising £419 for their chosen local charity, Lambourn Riding for the Disabled, by inviting the Chair and Vice-Chair into school to pick up the cheque and meet some of the students responsible. One of the sub-group committees, ambassadors for ‘Pathways to the Real World,’ is led by Year 10 Harry. The downland charity is close to his and his family’s heart.
Harry explains: ‘my sister Bella has been going for five years now and rides a pony called Millie; she is at her happiest when she is there. Riding has boosted her confidence immeasurably; we’ve seen her communication skills improve and her self-esteem grow. It’s a really very special place. The team at RDA put in 100% effort and the relationship you witness between horses and people under their care is just life-changing.’ Harry volunteers there too, but admits he’s a reluctant horseman. ‘They’re so big! I leave that bit to Bella – I’m incredibly proud of her.’
The money was raised through a series of non-uniform day ‘fines,’ tombolas and raffles. Each year the Student Leaders canvas and choose three charities at a local, national and international level to support. Having supported the RDA, Macmillan Cancer Support and the Ukrainian Red Cross last year, this year, the group are fundraising for The Dogs Trust, Cancer Research and Save the Children. Harry adds, ‘it was wonderful to give something back to our community.’
Photo L-R Frances Lochrane, Chair of Lambourn Riding for the Disabled (RDA) Harry (Year 10) and his little sister Bella, who attends Hungerford Primary School, Student Ambassadors and Leaders Alice (Year 8) and Erin (Year 7), Jill Fitzpatrick, Vice-Chair of Lambourn RDA and Mrs Jay Morgan, Head of Teaching and Learning at John O’Gaunt School.
