The school supports many charities throughout the course of the year but always adopts one as the official charity for that year.
Abingdon Preparatory School chose Barnado's last academic year and most of the funds raised through sponsored bike rides, cake sales, dressing up days, the London Marathon and many others were donated to this charity. A total in excess of £10,000 was raised for Barnardo's and was gratefully received by Dr David Barnardo, a direct decendant of the man who founded Barnardo's Homes for children all those years ago.
A generous contribution is also made by the Parents' Association through their fundraising efforts which include a Christmas Bazaar and a Fireworks Evening.
Other supported charities are the Meningitis Trust and the Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Research Fund.
The School's adopted charity this academic year is CLIC Sargent. All donations to date and details of the activities that raised the funds can be found on our Just Giving page.
CLIC Sargent, is the leading child cancer charity in UK, and offers many services to those with cancer and their families.
They operate a Child Cancer Helpline, which is a free, anonymous and confidential telephone service where trained helpline staff offer emotional support and practical information to anyone affected by childhood cancer.
In hospital, CLIC Sargent Nurses work as key members of the team looking after the children. When a child goes home, CLIC Sargent makes sure that this high level of clinical care and support continues. As well as working as part of the hospital team, CLIC Sargent Nurses make home and school visits too, so families get to know their nurse.
CLIC Sargent Play Specialists are found on paediatric oncology wards. Working at bedsides or in playrooms, they create a sense of 'normality' on the ward through play and activities. They also use play to help children prepare for, and cope with, treatment. Their work helps children to socialise and take part in normal play and learning activities, even though they are in hospital. By teaching children more about their illness and what to expect, children are able to cope and manage their fears and anxieties.
The charity also helps cover the costs of unpaid leave from work, after school care for siblings and travel. It recognises the need for families to have a break and so provides family centred breaks in the Firth of Clyde and Isle of Arran, where staff are available to care for a sick child. Additional specialist weekends are also available for young people, siblings, and bereaved families.
CLIC Sargent 'Homes from Home', allow families, including siblings, grandparents and friends to stay near to where a child is being treated. The nearest home to Abingdon Preparatory School is in Headington.
Child Cancer Foundation, is a research centre run by CLIC Sargent. They aim to contribute to improved survival rates, reduce side effects and minimise the emotional impact of childhood cancer.
