School helps run up the fundraising total for local hospice

KIND-hearted pupils are to continue their run of fundraising to support a town’s hospice.

Officials from St Teresa’s Hospice, Darlington, thanked West Park Academy for their efforts in raising close to £7,000 by staging a Santa Run. 

At a special assembly the academy was presented with a certificate of thanks after they collected an impressive £6,795.80 for St Teresa’s.

David Jones, who heads up the hospice’s income generation team, said: “This is a tremendous effort and greatly appreciated.

“We have had incredible support from principal Catherine Thompson, finance director Sarah Roberts, caretaker Mike Allen, catering manager Paul Garthwaite and of course parents, teachers and pupils.”

Mrs Thompson said the school was delighted to support the hospice and would be doing so again with another Santa Run in December.

She added: “We pride ourselves at West Park Academy at being an active part of the community. We are all fully aware of the fantastic work carried out at St Teresa’s for the people of Darlington and the surrounding area and are only too pleased to do anything we can to help.”