Pupils from St Cedd’s School in Chelmsford recently took part in the School’s Creative Century Challenge to raise money for the Helen Rollason Cancer Charity in memory of a much-loved former teacher, Mrs Vanessa Ho You.
Inspired by Captain Sir Tom Moore’s efforts to walk 100 laps of his garden, children were challenged to do 100 things, or spend 100 minutes on an activity, to celebrate Mrs Ho You’s life and contribution to the School in a creative way.
The staff were blown away by the children’s brilliant efforts and the money raised by the School community. The children of Critical Workers in School and the pupils who are remote learning, ranging from age 3 to 11, all took part, coming up with some excellent ways to fundraise whilst also wanting to make a positive difference at such a difficult time, showing an outward-looking consciousness of others. One pupil gave 100 hugs to family members; one shared 100 stories and poems with loved ones in person and via video call; and three siblings collected over 100 pieces of litter from the banks of the River Chelmer.
Whilst some opted to get active by doing 100 press-ups or 100 ballet jumps, others chose mindful activities such as completing a 100-piece puzzle, making Lego masterpieces using 100 bricks or colouring for 100 minutes. Some children became artists for the afternoon creating pictures from 100 pieces of material, making 100 clay models or completing 100 knitting stitches; and others challenged themselves in the kitchen by baking 100 biscuits or cakes, which they kindly delivered to their neighbours.
Mr Matthew Clarke, Head of St Cedd’s School on New London Road in Chelmsford, said: “What a fabulous way to remember Mrs Ho You who was, herself, such a wonderfully creative person. The children of St Cedd’s School have risen to the challenges laid before them and put their excellent levels of creativity to good use to raise money in memory of Mrs Ho You.”
Helen Rollason Cancer Charity Community Fundraiser, Karen Mitchell, said; “We are really grateful to St Cedd’s School for their support of Helen Rollason Cancer Charity. Their donation will help us to continue supporting men and women with all types of cancer at all stages – whether newly diagnosed or longer-term, throughout treatment and after treatment is completed. What an imaginative and fun way to raise money in memory of a dearly loved teacher, Mrs Vanessa Ho You. I am sure she would be very proud of what all of the students have achieved.”
