Update:

A heartfelt thank you from all the staff at St Mark’s CE Primary School for your support, whether in thought, prayer or through donation.

We did it! Not only did we raise more funds than we ever imagined we could, we achieved our swimming target that we had only dreamt of!

As I write this, the staff are all recovering this morning in hot bubble baths, sleep and refuelling of carbohydrates...

The evening started with an empowering feeling of team spirit – the time flew by and before we knew it we were half way through. The swim was achieved through knowing we all had each other and were swimming towards the same target and goal.

Collectively, we swam over 14.5km and were cheered on and looked after by three of our fantastic LSA’s, who kept us hydrated, kept our blood sugar levels up with sweets and provided endless encouragement to the team! Thank you!

If you would like to leave a message of support, please click here

Dear Lord,

Thank you for giving us the strength to achieve this swim.

Today we awake with a few aches,

We are healthy,  and we are blessed.

Thank you for granting us the wisdom to take on this challenge

and for your guidance through the process.

We thank you for hearing our prayers and for helping hands,

so that Emelia can soon be riding her trike and support her future health.

Please watch over Emelia and all the pupils, staff and school community at St Mark’s CE Primary school.

Amen

Messages of Support

Once again, St Marks School has risen to a challenge and excelled! A huge well done to the staff swimming and those keeping the swimmers going. An inspiration to all the children who also contribute throughout the year. Well done again to all ~ Mr Treasure

This is an excellent feat achieved by the team, as a member of the School Governing Body I want to say a very big well done for this achievement. I am very proud of this achievement and in fact I was moved to tears when I read this story, this is very encouraging. This is far beyond Teacher pupil relationship but rather showing the kind of love that Christ showed us, it is my prayer that you will all be rewarded mightily by our dear Lord in Jesus mighty name. Congratulations. - Mr Oluwasona
 

Original message 19th September 2016:

The staff of St Mark’s are preparing to undertake a significant swim! In fact at the end of September we will be swimming the equivalent distance of the ‘Straights of Gibraltar’ to raise funds for one of our Year 2 pupils, Emelia, who was born with arthrogryposis.

This is a lifelong condition which causes stiffness of the knees and feet, making it impossible for Emelia to ride a shop bought trike. After hearing the disappointing news of the refusal of grant funding for a specially adapted trike, the staff were horrified and started to hatch a plan!

Please support the staff in raising the funds so that Emelia is provided with the same opportunities as her peers - to ride a trike! This trike would not only enable Emelia to take part in riding with her friends and family but also provide a much needed tool for strengthening her legs.

We would be incredibly grateful for both your support and that of the community.

You can donate in two ways:

1. Drop in your donation (cash or cheque) the school office
2. Visit our page to donate and read our story:
   https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/stmarksceprimaryschool

Thanks for your support and please pass this plea on to as many of your family and friends as possible - every little helps…

Now, out with our swimming costumes!