Pupils from Lytchett Minster School’s annual Sandwalk raised £8,500 for charity.
Staff and pupils from Lytchett Minter School once again enjoyed their annual six-mile jaunt from Poole to Bournemouth and back to raise money for charity.
This year they raised cash for two charities, Young Lives vs Cancer and Willdoes.
The Sandwalk, named as it takes place along the sandy shores from Poole to Bournemouth, was first launched 25 years ago by Lytchett Minster teacher Simon Wyatt. The money raised at this year’s event adds to the overall total of more than £300,000 over the 25 years.
Mr Wyatt said: “The motivation for the Sandwalk as it is now was the death of a close friend of my wife and I, when we were all 35 – a mother of two young children and a very fit young woman, it just didn’t seem fair.
“We supported Cancer Research UK for many years. Subsequently we have supported a variety of charities, always with a link to school after the passing of two members of staff and a student.”
To get involved with the next Sandwalk email wyatts@lytchett.org.uk.

Other charities that are providing support for current students have also benefitted. The last 25 years has seen sponsorship in excess of £300,000 raised by students at Lytchett.”

Liz Blunt, Senior Fundraising Engagement Manager for Young Lives vs Cancer (Dorset) said: “We are incredibly grateful to Simon, and all the pupils and staff involved in the wonderful Sandwalks. It’s an amazing achievement to have raised such a massive amount over the last 25 years and we are so grateful to have been supported. It’s not something that we expect for children and young people to get cancer and a diagnosis can be so overwhelming for families. It’s really important that Dorset families are supported at this difficult time.

“The vast majority of Dorset young cancer patients are treated at Southampton General Hospital. Our social workers provide vital emotional, practical and financial support and have a “Home from Home” that families can stay in free of charge for as long as they need to. I know that some local families also are treated in London and are able to stay in our “Home from Home” there, which is a huge relief for them.”

If you would like to get involved with sponsorship for the next Sandwalk, please get in touch with Simon Wyatt at wyatts@lytchett.org.uk

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To get involved with the next Sandwalk email wyatts@lytchett.org.uk.