23.01.2025

Festive fundraisers made it a season of good will to remember with a huge boost for us.

Primary schools, nurseries, and sports clubs across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Mid Wales all took part in the Rudolph Relay before Christmas and together raised more than £13,000 towards our caring services.

Nearly 4,000 children aged 3-11 laced up their trainers and leapt into action, running, skipping and dashing across playgrounds and sports fields as part of the fun fundraiser.

Now in its second year, our Rudolph Relay invited children to get active while learning about the importance of community and the invaluable work hospices do.

Jodie Cooper, the Executive Headteacher of Priorslee Academy and Buildwas Academy, said: “Both Priorslee and Buildwas Academies were happy to take part in this year’s Rudolph Relay. We normally do an activity of some kind at Christmas so we thought this was a great opportunity to do something to raise money for a local charity that is special to a lot of the families.

“We found that not just the parents, but the wider family such as grandparents, aunties, uncles also donated, because Severn Hospice means something to them. And we had some lovely comments on our Just Giving page. All the children loved taking part and we will definitely do it again!”

The remarkable sum of funds raised by the children and their families goes directly toward helping local people living with incurable illness.

Each school, nursery, and club was given freedom to make the relay their own, adding their own spin on the festive fun. From running and hopping to dashing and dancing, some even incorporated the relay into their ‘Daily Mile’, making their routines extra merry and bright.

Nicky Green, our senior community fundraiser, said: “It’s been absolutely amazing to see our young supporters, their families, friends, and carers pulling together to support us! The kindness and generosity shown by local schools and sports clubs has been truly heartwarming, and their support means so much to us and the people we care for.

“While all our care is free, it does come at a cost. For every £1 donated, we spend 84p directly on care, and the remaining 16p helps us raise the next £1. The money raised through the Rudolph Relay ensures we can continue to be there for local families facing heartbreak.”

Severn Hospice must raise £2 for every £3 it spends, and the ongoing support of the community ensures we can continue to deliver expert care across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, and Mid Wales.

If your school, nursery, or club would like to get involved in supporting Severn Hospice, please contact our fundraising team on 01952 221 351, email fundraising@severnhospice.org.uk or read more here.

Photo: Pupils from Priorslee Academy and their Executive Headteacher Jodie Cooper.