Walking at Wallace Hall

Pupils from S1 to S6 at Wallace Hall Academy in Thornhill, Dumfriesshire all turned out for a sponsored walk at the end of March. The charities committee at the school, led by 6th year pupil Sean Wicks, decided to raise funds for SIS.

Valerie Inglis, who Newsline has featured in previous issues, has close links with the school and pupils met with her to learn more about the charity. The event was inspired by Joan’s daughter who was a member of SIS and loved to paint, particularly sunflowers and sheep – so the theme for the day was decided.

A non-uniform day was planned for Thursday 24 March and pupils were encouraged to dress as sunflowers or sheep with Valerie judging the two best dressed on the day. There was also a drawing competition with the same theme.

The sponsored walk was a 30-minute circuit, twice around the school and playing fields, and this was the first time that this type of event had been held for a number of years.

Andrea Weir, a Biology teacher at Wallace Hall, and who worked with the pupils on the charities committee to help plan the event, said: “The sixth year charities committee has worked very hard and put in a lot of time and effort into organising this event. I am very proud of all of our pupils for taking part and raising such a fantastic sum of money for Spinal Injuries Scotland.“

Head teacher Barry Graham and all of the teachers, staff and pupils at the school did a fantastic job supporting the fundraising day.

A total of £ 1,800 has been raised so far with donations still coming in as Newsline went to press.