A group of sixth-form students at a Bury St Edmunds school have raised more than £2,500 for charity after they hosted a special garden party.
The kind-hearted teens from St Benedicts School raised the money for Alzheimer’s Research UK and St Peter’s House care home in the town.
Katie Tooley and Millie Eddy, who organised the event, have both volunteered at St Peter’s and this inspired them to hold the fundraising event.
Katie said: “Millie and I have been touched by the friendships we have formed with residents at St Peter’s House and this inspired us to raise funds to help find a cure for this terrible condition.”
The pair of students thanked all the businesses and individuals who provided raffle and silent auction prizes for the event.
Donna Cook, deputy manager at St Peter’s House, said: “We were thrilled to be invited and five of our residents thoroughly enjoyed the happy atmosphere and were made to feel very welcome. We are delighted that they are going to make a donation to our care home.”
The students, who started their planning in February, were supported in their efforts by Holly Noon, the regional fundraising officer for East Anglia at Alzheimer’s Research UK.
She said: “We are blown away by the amazing work that Katie and Millie have done to raise vital funds for dementia research.
“Sadly, there are currently no treatments that can slow or prevent the development of dementia.
“Alzheimer’s Research UK’s mission is to bring about the first life-changing treatment for dementia by 2025. This will only be possible with the pioneering fundraising efforts of people like Katie and Millie.
“We would like to say a huge thank you to Katie and Millie for hosting a wonderful garden party and for joining the fightback against dementia.”
Anne Mansfield, head of governors at St Benedict’s, said: “It is wonderful to see our students involved in the wider community, which is something our school actively encourages.”
Anyone wishing to donate to Katie and Millie’s fundraiser can visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/gardenparty2018
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