Felsted School hosted a colour run, raising an incredible £6,000 for Felsted’s charity partners, including those affected by cyclone Freddie in Malawi.
The event consisted of a 30 minute race around the course, with paint thrown at checkpoints along the way. Following this, everyone gathered for a ‘paint party’ with paint canons helping to cover anyone who hadn’t yet decorated their colour run t-shirt.
In line with the school’s continued drive for a ‘more sustainable Felsted’ and to make the process as environmentally friendly as possible, the sustainably sourced paint (coloured corn flour) was bulk-bought and measured out into smaller paper bags by the Felsted Charity Team and volunteers, ready to be thrown at the dedicated ‘paint gates’ along the route.
Felsted student Danielle F, Lower Sixth, took part in the charity event, commenting; “It was a fun event where everyone enjoyed being with their friends and covering them with paint! It was also a day to think about what we can do for others whilst raising money for charity. We all got a bit messy, but it was nice to see everyone together”. Margot S, also of the Lower Sixth Form, commented; “I loved that we were all running together for the same cause and also having fun at the same time. I think everyone really enjoyed it and will want to take part next time!”.
Felsted School hosted representatives from three of the charities supported by the event; Farleigh Hospice, CHESS Homeless and The Felsted Mission. Selina Mayhew, of Farleigh Hospice commented; “It was absolutely brilliant to take part in the event, raising a huge amount of money for fantastic charities. At Farleigh the money raised will be helping to provide care to people affected by life-limiting illnesses and bereavement support for many local families. Thank you so much Felsted!”.
Each of the 10 senior boarding and day houses at the North Essex school made a huge contribution to the charities they champion; particularly providing food and care for children suffering from storm Freddie in Malawi.
Felsted Head Chris Townsend commented; “We have done two colour runs previously, but this one felt the most important, with our charities in greater need of support than at any previous stage, with funding so tight and costs rising, while in Malawi, the after effects of Cyclone Freddy are still being felt. I was tremendously proud of the school for the way in which they engaged with the event. It was fun, but it was fun with a purpose and it was great to see a couple of our charities represented by runners on the start line”.
Felsted School has always been mindful of its role in public service and has a long history of pupils and staff supporting charitable causes as well as their local and wider community with both financial help and practical assistance. Felsted Rev. Nigel Little coordinated the event and commented; “It is our aim that all pupils should leave Felsted with a sense of responsibility and purpose that they can make a difference to the world around them. From nightshelters to hospices, storm relief to helping mental health well-being, from India, to Malawi and local air ambulances, we can all play our part”. To learn more about Felsted School’s commitment to making a difference, visit: www.felsted.org/makingadifference.