Schoolchildren across Bolton united to raise more than £23,000 for victims of the devastating Turkey and Syria earthquake.
More than 50 primary schools took part in a day of fundraising in a bid to help those who have been left homeless and suffered unbelievable tragedy in the disaster, with the death toll now having reached 50,000.
In what is thought to be the largest co-ordinated fundraiser by schools, staff and pupils said they could not sit back and do nothing while people were suffering, whilst at the same time being inspired by the efforts of local firefighters who flew over to help with the search and rescue.
Stacey Postle, headteacher of Beaumont Primary School, said the idea started as a non-uniform day but ballooned from there, with pupils coming up with their own fundraising ideas to bring in as much money as possible for the appeal.
Mrs Postle said: “I am absolutely thrilled by the amount of money raised by the children of Bolton, the kindness and dedication to raise this money by the Bolton family is commendable.
“We are proud to have played a small part in helping the people of Turkey and Syria at such an unimaginable time, the Bolton family continue to send all their thoughts and prayers to the families affected by the disaster.”
Youngsters were asked to bring in £1 in return for wearing their own clothes but many brought in far more than that, with some raising their money boxes and generous sending their children with more money.
Beaumont Primary School pupil, Liyaana Ali, aged nine, said: “We gave £5 pounds today so we can help families who need money to get a new house and be happy again.”
Classmate Ahmed Khan, added: “I brought in £10 pounds to help children smile again and have nice things, like we do.”
Pupil Maryam Patel said: "I thought it was important to give as much as possible so that the earthquake doesn't ruin anyone's life forever. I hope people in Turkey and Syria are safe now. "
Miles Evans, aged 11, said: "The earthquake was such a disaster and we wanted people to know that we care. We've had fun in our non-uniform but more importantly we've raised money for people who need it. Beaumont and Bolton really do care."
Alice Oliver, from St Peters CE Farnworth, raised £231 in aid of the disaster by turning her hand to baking and doing a cake sale.
Alex Ross of Hardy Mill Primary School said: “In half term I baked lots of cakes and sold them to the generous people of Harwood Methodist Church, raising another £242.
“Our school is sending a massive £653.40 to the appeal in total. Brilliant!”
Ten-year-olds Haris Mher and Lily Gallagher smashed their £500 target by collecting £647 towards St Johns Kearsley’s efforts by walking 20km from Westhoughton to Farnworth.
Pikes Lane year 1 Pupil, Madeeha Vardalia, even went as far as too bringing in all her savings from her piggy bank to donate towards the appeal.
Prestolee Primary School also played its part in the effort by raising £130 towards the earthquake’s response.
Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Anne Galloway said: “The recent events in Turkey and Syria are tragic, but it was heartening to see primary schools across the borough pull together to help those in need.
“They have raised a fantastic amount and I want to thank Stacey Postle, head at Beaumont Primary School, who had the idea and all the head teachers, pupils and families for their efforts in raising so much money.”
The overall total of £23,638.64 will be donated to a variety of charities with Beaumont’s donations heading towards Save The Children.
Schools which took part were
Brownlow Fold Primary School
Highfield Primary School
Spindle Point Primary School
St Thomas CE Primary School
Ladybridge Community Primary School
St Bernard's RC Primary School
St Stephens CE Kearsly Moor
St Michael’s CE Primary School
Beaumont Primary School
St Andrew's CE Over Hulton
Thomasson Memorial School have raised
Harwood Meadows CP School
Queensbridge School
Gilnow School
Walmsley CE Primary School
Claypool School
St. Matthew's CE Primary School
St Peter's CE Farnworth
St Barts CE Primary
Mytham Primary
St. Peter's CE Smithills Dean Primary School
Leverhulme Primary School
St Thomas of Canterbury RC Primary
St Saviour CE Primary School
Sacred Heart RC
Eagley Infant
Pikes Lane
Bowness
Sharples
The Oaks
The Orchards Federation
Devonshire Road
Lostock Primary
High Lawn Primary
St Stephen and All Martyrs CE Primary School
St Mary's CE Deane
Blackshaw Primary
Masefield C P School
Washacre Primary
Heathfield Primary School
Brandwood Primary
All Saints Primary
St Ethelbert’s RC School
SS Peter and Paul's RC Primary School
St Brendan RC Primary School
Ladywood School
Eatock Primary School
St Johns Primary School
Haslam Park Primary
Hardy Mill Primary
St Bede CE Primary
Holy Infants Primary
St Mary's RC Horwich
Kearsley West Primary School
Our Lady of Lourdes
St Gregory’s RC Primary School, A Voluntary Academy
St Teresa's RC Primary School
St William of Yorke Primary
Prestolee Primary
Lever Edge Primary
The Ferns Primary Academy
Markland Hill Primary School
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