More than £100,000 raised in honour of Hartburn Head Teacher Claire Park
A fundraising campaign launched in support of Hartburn Primary School Head Teacher and friend of Schools North East Claire Park has raised more than £100,000 towards the creation of a new playground and in support for Motor Neurone Disease charities.
Recently, we reported that more than 500 CEOs, Head Teachers and senior leaders from partner schools and trusts came together in March for the fifteenth annual Schools North East Patron’s Dinner, where £3,511 was raised for these brilliant causes.
To hear that the wider campaign has now surpassed a staggering £100,000 is nothing short of incredible.
Creating a lasting legacy in her honour
The campaign, led by Prince Regent Street Trust and Friends of Hartburn Primary School, began after Claire was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease last year. Since then, the school community, families, colleagues and local supporters have come together through a series of fundraising events and challenges to help create a lasting legacy in her honour.
The latest milestone came at a charity ball held at Hardwick Hall Hotel near Sedgefield, where Claire attended as guest of honour. £28,000 was contributed to the overall campaign total through ticket sales, auction, raffle and sponsorship from local businesses.
In a moving speech read out by Prince Regent Street Trust Chief Executive, Julia Armstrong, Claire said: “You are all helping to create a lasting legacy: a special place where children can socialise, have fun, learn, and truly thrive.
“There is no better gift we could give future generations of Hartburn pupils.You may struggle to understand my voice, and my smile is changing, but please know how much this night, and everyone of you, means to me.
“Thank you for your generosity, your kindness, and your belief in creating something truly special. Drink, dance and be merry.”
Additionally, a series of ‘Hikes for Claire’, which were organised by her best friend, Gill Ball, raised £20,000, while a 100-mile run by Claire’s husband, Matthew, contributed more than £10,000.
Funds raised through the campaign will support the redevelopment of the school’s Key Stage 2 playground, which will be named ‘Mrs Park’s Park’, alongside significant donations to the MND Association.
Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East, said: “This is a truly remarkable example of a community coming together in support of one of its own. Everyone involved should be incredibly proud of what has been achieved, and of the lasting legacy now being created for pupils at Hartburn Primary.
“We wish Claire and her family all the very best, and send our continued support during this incredibly difficult time.”