Buckingham School team takes on Moo for third year
Posted 18th June 2021A team of sixth formers and teachers from Buckingham School are lacing up to take on their own 10 mile Moo walk to support Willen Hospice. The group is encouraging other young people and their families to do the same and help raise vital funds for the local charity.
Their walk, which is taking place on Saturday 10 July, will see them cover 10 miles around Buckingham, slightly ahead of the charity’s main Moo Weekender which is on 6 and 7 August. To help mark the Hospice’s 40th anniversary, the school teams will don their best 80s outfits and channel their inner Madonna, Boy George or Jane Fonda for the event.
Assistant Headteacher, Director of Sixth Form, Suzy Pykett said: “This is the third year the Buckingham School will be supporting Willen Hospice by walking the Moo. As a community school we’re really proactive in encouraging our students to put something back into the area they live. People in the community continue to experience very challenging times and we know that the Hospice has had many events cancelled for a second year; they need all the fundraising they can get. While the students are young, fit and healthy, they are taking responsibility to do something positive, so that they can be good, active role models for other children in the school and in Buckingham and put something back into the community.”
Sixth form student Piya added: “It’s a great way for us to raise money for Willen Hospice as they help care for people nearing the end of their lives. If you spot us out and about on Saturday 10 July, please do support us, it would mean a lot.”
Fellow sixth form student Leo added “I’m going to be walking the Moo dressed in 80s theme to support Willen Hospice. They have missed out on a lot of financial support by not being able to run events during the pandemic, so if you see us, give us a wave and please consider supporting the charity.”
Head teacher Andy McGinnes said “This is another great opportunity for the school to contribute to its own community. Sadly, we are living in very tough times and, because of the financial fallout from Covid-19, charities are suffering, too. So we’ll have great fun, supporting this fantastic cause yet again.”
Anyone wishing to show their support can donate via this link: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/suzanne-pykett
During the pandemic, the Hospice continued to care for its patients free of charge, whether at the Hospice or in patients’ own homes. With only around a quarter of its financial support coming from the NHS, the charity relies on donations from the general public to raise the bulk of the money. It takes £4.7million every year, or £9 a minute, to continue providing specialist, compassionate care to patients with life-limiting illnesses. Events like the Moo help to raise much-needed funds.
Tracey Jago, Willen Hospice Events Manager said: “I’m delighted that the Buckingham School team have rallied to support us again this year. Their fundraising has been fantastic over the last couple of years and it’s great the way they all come together as a group and raise vital funds for our Hospice. We can’t wait to see their retro outfits and to wave them off on the day.”
*New for 2021 – the popular Midnight Moo and Midday Moo will combine to make the Moo Weekender, sponsored by Specsavers MK and taking place on 6 and 7 August.
Fundraisers are challenged to walk or run 10 miles, or a shorter five-mile Half Moo, to support the vital care the Hospice provides for local people. The Midnight Moo will start at Stadium MK at the earlier time of 10pm on the Friday. The Midday Moo will start at MK Rugby Club in Emerson Valley at 12noon on the Saturday.
Entry to the Moo Weekender is £20 per adult, or £30 to do both (includes an exclusive t-shirt and finisher’s medal). Under 14s go free but must be accompanied by an adult.
Book online now at www.willen-hospice.org.uk/moo