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Supporter Update June 2025 Issue 11

Giving Day: Our Community in Action Our 36-hour Giving Day fundraising marathon took place on Tuesday 25th and Wednesday 26th March, uniting pupils, staff, parents, and Sternians in a joyful celebration of community spirit and philanthropy. A highlight was the Around the World Challenge, which saw participants logging miles to collectively travel the globe which included the pupil swimathon as a standout effort, with some swimming up to 20km! The first of two Headmaster’s Challenges delighted the Julyans Dining Hall, as Mr Williams gave a memorable rendition of Candle in the Wind by Elton John. Tuesday evening saw each of our eight Boarding Houses host creative, fun Giving Day activities. Junior House embraced a vibrant Colour Run, while School House led a Fancy Dress Aerobics and Hazelveare hosted a table tennis tournament. Summerfield hit the pitch in superhero gear for a football match, Haygate hosted a dance competition, Park sang their hearts out at karaoke, Gosden ran a games night, and Sutton faced off in dodgeball. In the second Headmaster’s Challenge, Mr Williams joined the Marathon Canoe Team on the Basingstoke Canal. While he took to the wider canoes with ease, some spectacular dips into the canal in a narrower vessel added to the fun! Additional activities included a social enterprise fair run by our Upper Sixth Economics and Enterprise pupils, an LWC’s Got Talent competition, and interhouse hockey and netball matches. We are thrilled to share that £98,895 was raised – a phenomenal total. Thank you to everyone who made this happen.

We are thrilled to share that

£98,895

was raised – a phenomenal total.

Thank you to our Corporate Partners For the first time, we reached out to our corporate suppliers to ask for their support during Giving Day – and they didn’t disappoint.

A heartfelt thank you goes to the following companies:

We were thrilled to see several businesses come forward to contribute to this special event, showing that philanthropy and community spirit extend well beyond the school gates. Their involvement as Giving Day Patrons not only helped boost the fundraising total but also reinforced the value of strong partnerships between education and industry.

• West Waddy Archadia • LST Projects • Cooper Weston Group Ltd

If you or your business would also be interested in supporting The Foundation or other LWC projects in the future, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our Director of Philanthropy & Alumni Relations, Sam Corfield.

• Geeks Ltd • PowerCor Ltd

We would love to explore ways we can work together to change lives.

SuperKind – Raising Change-Makers! Pupil-led fundraising is thriving at LWC, and we are proud to announce our recent partnership with SuperKind – an awardwinning, free platform designed to bring active citizenship and social action into the classroom. This dynamic and engaging platform empowers young people to lead on causes they care about, helping to build empathy, confidence, and a sense of purpose. We trialled SuperKind during Giving Day with Junior House pupils and the results were remarkable: they raised an incredible £8,140 through their collective efforts for their Colour Run. It is inspiring to see our youngest pupils already making such a big difference. Through platforms like SuperKind, we are not only raising money for a vital cause – we are also nurturing the next generation of changemakers.

Junior House pupils raised a remarkable

We hope the SuperKind initiative helps to build a lifelong sense of philanthropy in pupils through active participation, encouraging them to engage meaningfully with the world around them.

£8,140

through their collective efforts.

Welcome Fran! We are delighted to welcome Fran Reid to the Philanthropy team as our new Philanthropy Manager. Fran brings with her over 20 years of experience in educational fundraising and alumni relations, and a deep understanding of the transformative power of giving. Married to a dedicated teacher (due to start at LWC in September), and mum to two grown-up children, Fran is already feeling at home within our close-knit community. “I’m hugely inspired by LWC’s philanthropic history and The Foundation’s life-transforming impact on so many children, and consider it a privilege to play a part in raising support for such a great cause. I look forward to meeting Sternians and loyal supporters in the coming months”. We are excited to have her on board as we continue to widen worlds and change lives.

Iceland Trek – An Epic Journey A staggering £75,317 was raised thanks to the determination and generosity of 25 LWC parents, Sternians and staff who took part in the Iceland Trek from 26th February to 2nd March. Over three exhilarating days, the group trekked through glaciers, volcanic landscapes and icy terrains – all in aid of the Lord Wandsworth Foundation. This was our second overseas fundraising trek and it proved just as memorable and meaningful as the first. The conditions were tough: high winds, snowfall, and icy paths requiring the use of snow spike grips throughout the journey. Yet spirits remained high, with participants driven by the shared goal of helping children who have lost the support of one or both parents. Thanks to their incredible fundraising efforts before and after the trek, their challenge raised a record-breaking sum. The participants also made life-long friendships. As Samantha Corfield, Director of Philanthropy, said: “This is more than just a fundraising total – it’s about opening doors to life-changing opportunities for children who deserve them.” We are immensely grateful to everyone who supported this adventure, and we’re already looking ahead to what’s next!

A staggering

£75,317

was raised thanks to the determination and generosity of LWC parents, Sternians and staff.

Trees Glorious Trees!

Springtime at the 1200

The LWC Grounds Team asked for support to plant new trees on The Green near Hazelveare and Summerfield – and our Sternian community delivered!

On 12th and 13th April, the College once again opened its gardens as part of the National Garden Scheme.

One group of Sternians even donated a tree in memory of a friend, a beautiful tribute that we will mark with a plaque unveiling on Sternian Saturday.

Visitors were treated to a riot of colour from tulips, daffodils, cherry blossoms, and more. Families enjoyed an Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday and jazz on Julyan’s Lawn on Sunday, with delicious refreshments available in the Orangery and plants for sale.

Thanks to your generosity, we raised

A huge thank you to all who attended,

£4,212

£1,937

allowing the purchase of six new trees.

was raised for The Foundation.

The Stern Challenge This year’s Stern Challenge was a true test of endurance, spirit, and community – powered by 60 bananas, 96 flapjacks, and nine kilos of Jelly Babies! An extraordinary team of 40 pupils, parents, and staff took on the formidable task of running 100km along the Basingstoke Canal, each completing a minimum of 5km, with many clocking up 50km or more over the 12-hour adventure. While the food they consumed was impressive, even more so was the phenomenal £4,203 they raised for The Foundation! Well done to all who took part, and heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported them so generously – a shining example of the LWC spirit in action.

They raised a phenomenal

£4,203 for The Foundation!

Donor Club News

On Friday 23rd May, members of the 1912 Society gathered for their annual event – this year, a tour of the Royal Courts of Justice, followed by lunch at the Old Bank of England. We were delighted to be joined by new COO Will Dixon and Robert Hannington, Chair of Governors. Special thanks to Sternian, Lord Justice Coulson for sharing his stories and insights into these historic buildings where he works.

On Thursday 23rd January, Cedrus Club members attended a fantastic school production of Bugsy Malone at the Haymarket Theatre, Basingstoke. Pre-show and interval drinks added to the fun, and it was a pleasure to welcome Cedrus members and thank them for their support. More than 70 talented cast and crew brought the house down and the performance left everyone in awe of the pupils’ talent.

Donor Club Invitation As a token of appreciation for the incredible generosity and support shown throughout the year, all Donor Club members (1912 Society, Cedrus and Quercus) and College volunteers have been invited to the Headmaster’s annual Garden Party.

Set in the beautiful grounds of Northview, this event is always a highlight in the calendar and offers the perfect setting to reflect on the year’s achievements, reconnect with fellow supporters, and enjoy a warm welcome from the Headmaster, Adam Williams.

Delicious refreshments, music and inspiring conversation are all on the menu, and the atmosphere is sure to be filled with gratitude and celebration. We look forward to seeing many of you there as we say thank you for playing a part in our mission to widen worlds and transform lives.

Foundation Day – Celebrating Impact This year’s Foundation Day, held on Thursday 27th March, was an emotional and uplifting celebration of the Lord Wandsworth Foundation and its extraordinary impact. Pupils, parents, Sternians, governors and invited guests came together to hear powerful stories and meet the people whose lives have been transformed by The Foundation. Upper Sixth Former Oscar moved the audience with his story of discovering a passion for music, leading him to become an accomplished cellist.

Tolu, a 2nd Former, spoke of her journey into competitive football and athletics – opportunities she never imagined possible before joining LWC. Sternians Alvin, Scotia, and Alice shared how their time at LWC as Foundation pupils broadened their horizons and gave them the confidence to pursue exciting paths. Former Foundationer Rianna told the room how her fascination with Mandarin, discovered here at the College, led her to study in China.

And in one of the most emotional moments of the afternoon, Michelle, the mother of a current Foundationer, shared their deeply personal journey of how The Foundation has changed the course of their lives. Read their story overleaf. We were also delighted to be joined by Ines Thiru, CEO of the Ruth Strauss Foundation. Ines spoke movingly of the charity’s mission to provide emotional support for families who are preparing for the death of a parent. It was truly inspiring to hear more about their incredible work.

Foundationer Parent Story: A Mother’s Voice Good afternoon, my son Alfie is a Foundation student here at LWC, having joined Sixth Form in September 2024. When Georgina asked if I would be happy to say a few words today, I didn’t hesitate. While I feel very nervous, I wanted to share our story so you can hear firsthand what a difference The Foundation has made to our lives. I grew up in the North of England in a home filled with poverty, turbulence, and chaos. My father was an alcoholic, and my mother was not maternal. My childhood was marked by physical and emotional abuse. At 18, I moved to the southeast to work as a nanny and was fortunate to live with a wonderful family who showed me what a loving, caring home could be like. From that moment, I chose never to return home. Alfie’s father and I separated when he was two but shared joint custody. While we weren’t together, we lived a happy life where Alfie enjoyed time with both of us. A life filled with love, even if it looked a little different to some. In January 2021, after spending time together at Christmas, Alfie received a call from his dad asking him not to visit as he was feeling poorly and was worried he might have COVID. Six days later, Alfie’s dad was found dead, and our world fell apart. Alfie was just 13. It was a devastating time. We were in lockdown – no school, no friends, no escape from the grief. I had been made redundant, and life felt incredibly uncertain. Alfie chose not to have bereavement counselling and didn’t want to talk to his friends about his dad’s passing because he didn’t want them to feel sorry for him. Despite his pain, he showed immense strength and resilience, often supporting me as I struggled with my mental health. The weight of responsibility for Alfie’s future felt overwhelming. I had no job, no financial security, and no wider family support. When lockdown ended, I started a full-time job on minimum wage. It has been a constant financial struggle, always juggling bills, never quite enough. The financial terror has, at times, been all-consuming. This was not the life I wanted for Alfie. I wanted more for him. Alfie had visited LWC a few times for rugby, and every time we drove through those gates, we felt we’d entered another world. Alfie once said, ‘I would love to go to a school like this.’ It was a beautiful, impossible dream – but a dream nonetheless. At the time, I had no idea The Foundation existed. When we were put in touch with Georgina, we began the process of interviews and assessments. Each time we made it to the next stage, we tried not to get too excited, but deep down, we couldn’t believe it was happening.

Then, on 7th February 2024, one phone call changed our lives. Alfie was offered a place as a flexi-boarder, and he is now living his dream. This opportunity is life-changing. Alfie has made incredible friendships, plays sports he never had the chance to try before – hockey, cricket, golf – and travels to other schools for tournaments. His confidence and self-belief have grown. He comes home talking about politics, the economy, and topics that never interested him before. He now also works at the College as a lifeguard, gaining independence and valuable life skills. For four years, Alfie and I shared every moment, never spending a night apart. But now, with boarding, he’s surrounded by a network of positive male role models – his houseparent, his peers, his mentors.

It’s an incredible comfort to know he’s not just growing up, but growing in such strong, supportive company. And for the first time in a long time, I no longer feel like I’m navigating this journey alone. Whenever concerns arise, there’s always someone to ask – someone who understands, supports, and offers guidance. It’s an immense relief to know he has so much support, and so do I. I just love this life for Alfie. And so does he. Every opportunity he’s given, he says yes. I am so incredibly proud of the wonderful, talented, kind, and well-mannered young man he has become. The invitation today reads, ‘Widening worlds, transforming lives.’ And when I look at Alfie – what he has become, what we have become – I’ve seen it. I’ve seen both our worlds widen through the hope and opportunity given to Alfie. I’ve seen our lives transformed by the simple, profound truth of community. It’s beyond anything I could have imagined. To everyone who supports, contributes to, and helps the Lord Wandsworth Foundation – thank you. None of this would be possible without you. The Foundation truly does change lives, and we are living proof of that.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Michelle for bravely sharing their story.

Volunteers Making a Difference What a year it has been for our brilliant Futures Team! Already well known for their superb Round Table events for Sixth Form pupils, they have gone one step further by launching a new series of Networking Breakfasts which have been generously supported by our amazing parents and Sternians. Held bright and early in Zanettas (the Sixth Form Centre), with coffee and croissants at the ready, these sessions have explored dynamic industries such as engineering, marketing, and finance with volunteers able to pass on their knowledge and expertise in a more informal, relaxed setting.

The response from pupils has been fantastic, with attendance through the roof and glowing feedback. Despite the early starts, they have found the events inspiring and incredibly worthwhile. These events have offered pupils a fantastic opportunity to sharpen their networking skills, build confidence, and discover exciting possibilities for their future careers. A huge shout-out and heartfelt thank you to all our incredible volunteers. We simply could not do it without you. Your time, energy, and passion make these experiences possible, and we are so grateful. Thank you.

To all our wonderful supporters, thank you for standing with LWC - for The Foundation and other projects. Your kindness, commitment, and generosity are truly transforming lives and helping to build brighter futures for the young people we support. We could not do it without you. We would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the incredible volunteers who have so generously given their time and energy this year – whether you joined us for the Futures Fair, Mock Interview Morning, Roundtable events, or one of our new Networking Breakfasts, your involvement has made a real and lasting difference to all the pupils here at the College. Whether you are a donor, a volunteer, or both, your support means the world to us. Together, you are helping us fulfil our mission of widening worlds – transforming lives, by opening doors, raising aspirations, and offering life-changing opportunities to those who need them most. From all of us at LWC, thank you!

GET IN TOUCH WITH THE PHILANTHROPY & ALUMNI RELATIONS TEAM Sam Corfield, Director of Philanthropy & Alumni Relations

T: 01256 860243

Kate Boyd, Senior Philanthropy Manager

T: 01256 860392

Fran Reid, Philanthropy Manager

T: 01256 860297

Clare Faherty, Alumni Relations Manager

T: 01256 860356

Jane Friend, Trusts & Foundations Manager

T: 07585 428263

E: philanthropy@lordwandsworth.org Lord Wandsworth College, Long Sutton, Hampshire RG29 1TB Registered Charity No. 1143359