Pontefract Academies Trust Pledge Support for Motor Neurone Disease Association and The Prince of Wales Hospice in Pontefract

Pontefract Academies Trust has announced that for this academic year all of their eight schools as well as the central office, will be fundraising for Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) as their national charity and The Prince of Wales Hospice in Pontefract as their local charity.

Throughout the coming year, the Trust hope to help children and staff gain an understanding as to what the two charities stand for, the impact of fundraising and general awareness around the issues the charities combat as well as raising as much money as they can.  Fundraising ideas have already been flooding in from teachers, parents and students such as taking part in sponsored silences, rambling walks in the country side, wearing blue to school days and taking part in the Hospice’s light up a life campaign by sending in videos of students singing Christmas carols.

Chief Executive Officer of Pontefract Academies Trust, Julian Appleyard OBE said: “Pontefract Academies Trust provide education for around 3,700 students so together we can really make a difference to these two fantastic charities. Rugby league legend Rob Burrow has raised an incredible amount of awareness and funds for MNDA and we want to show our support to him and his family.  The Prince of Wales Hospice has had an impact on many of our friends and families in Pontefract and will really benefit from our support.”

MND is a fatal, rapidly progressing disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. It attacks the nerves that control movement so muscles no longer work. The MND Association focuses on improving access to care, research and campaigning for those people living with or affected by MND in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. For more information please visit: https://www.mndassociation.org/

The Prince of Wales Hospice provides palliative care and support for patients with life limiting illnesses and their families. Each year they must raise £3million to keep their doors open. For more information please visit: https://www.pwh.org.uk/