St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust has raised an astonishing £2,980 for Bluebell Wood over the past two years, raising hundreds with its latest ‘globe-trotting’ lockdown effort.

The Trust, a family of 20 primary and 5 secondary schools across Derbyshire and the surrounding counties, has supported Bluebell Wood for the past two years as its joint chosen charity alongside Rainbows Hospice.

This summer - as much of the Trust's planned fundraising activity was cancelled or postponed - pupils, staff, governors and parents headed to Rome, albeit virtually.

A team of fundraisers joined Y6 pupils from St Joseph’s Primary in Matlock and key workers’ children from St Mary’s Academy at Marple Bridge to run, walk, cycle and swim a staggering 1270 miles throughout June -  the equivalent distance from Rodsley to Rome.

The epic trek replaced the Trust’s annual Bishop's sponsored walk from Rodsley in Derbyshire to Rome, which takes place in honour of St Ralph Sherwin’s 16th century pilgrimage.

Sean McClafferty, Chief Executive of St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust, said:

"We are delighted with the amount that we have raised, as a Trust, for Bluebell Wood and would like to thank all of our staff and pupils who, along with our school communities, have contributed to this fantastic total which will hopefully help so many children and their families."

Schools across the Trust have raised funds for Bluebell Wood with a variety of sponsored activities, including the Trust’s Chair Jacqueline Rodden and Mr McClafferty plunging 13,500ft from a plane in a tandem sky dive last year.

Sally Baker, Community Fundraising Manager at Bluebell Wood, said: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who took part this summer in what’s been an epic undertaking in challenging circumstances.

“The support from children, parents, staff and governors over the past two years has been absolutely fantastic and everyone should be incredibly proud of what they’ve achieved.

“Thanks to the Trust's support, we can continue to help local families make precious memories in the time they have together.”

Find out how your school can support Bluebell Wood and help local children and families