SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES: School in a Bag and Help for Heroes backed by Westfield Academy in memory of teacher

WESTFIELD Academy students in Yeovil raised more than £2,000 in a charity cycle challenge which saw them riding the distance from Lands End to John o’ Groats.

The event was held in memory of Mike Bennett, a member of staff from Westfield, who sadly died last year.

A group of senior prefects decided that they wanted to hold an event to both remember Mr Bennett and leave a legacy at the school in their final year.

Mr Bennett was a keen cyclist, so using this as their inspiration, the students rode more than 1000 miles on static bikes.

Amy Kemp, former head girl, led the cheque presentation this week, on behalf of the Westfield students.

“It was so lovely to see the result of all the hard work we put in. It really was an amazing day – and a lovely way to honour Mike Bennett,” she said.

PHOTO – TOP: Pictured, from left, are Loz Consalvey of Help for Heroes, Westfield Academy principal Chris Hunt, head girl Lucy Langdon, former head girl Amy Kemp, teacher Jane Yandell, head boy Aaron Johnson and School in a Bag’s Charlotte Pike.

Jane Yandell, a teacher at Westfield who helped students coordinate the event, added: “It was an absolute pleasure to be involved. It was an extremely uplifting and positive day and it was fantastic to see so many young people involved.”

Representatives of the School in the Bag Appeal and Help for Heroes each received £500 from the event, which exceeded all expectations in terms of the money raised. Both charities are causes that were close to Mr Bennett’s heart - and he once took part in a charity cycling event himself, in aid of School in the Bag.

Luke Simon, from School in the Bag, said: “We are delighted to receive this support from Westfield and very happy that we are able to provide school bags for poor children around the world.”

Loz Consalvey, a local volunteer from Help for Heroes, added: “A huge thank you to the students at Westfield. Their help really is appreciated. It is always particularly rewarding to see young people supporting us like this.”

Westfield Academy plan to use the remainder of the proceeds to put towards equipment in the school, in memory of Mr Bennett. Discussions are taking place as to what precisely the money is going to be spent on and the school is also looking to form a fundraising group to raise any additional money that may be required.

Westfield Academy would like to thank everyone who supported the event.

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