YHA staff dig deep into their own pockets for Nottingham youngsters

June 7, 2012 - PRLog -- Kind-hearted YHA staff have clubbed together and used their own money to ensure 19 Year 6 young people from Radford Primary School in Nottingham don’t miss out on their annual visit to YHA Wells-next-the-Sea in Norfolk.

Staff at 10 Youth Hostels in the East of England area were so saddened by the news that children from the inner city primary school could not afford the residential school trip, that they not only donated their own money but decided to start a fundraising campaign to fund the entire cost of the trip.  

The trip, which is an end-of-year treat for Year 6 pupils before they leave to go to secondary school, is normally heavily subsidised by the school, but this year Radford Primary School, and many parents, were unable to afford it.

Children from Radford Primary School on Denman Street West in Radford, have been going to YHA Wells for the last nine years and now this year will be no different. YHA staff have raised more than £1800 to fund the entire cost of the trip to ensure the youngsters didn’t miss out on the four night educational break at YHA Wells in June.

Fundraising activities have been non-stop at the Youth Hostels since they learned of the school’s plight. Staff have run marathons, dyed their hair, made and sold bird boxes, cakes and biscuits. Car parking spaces at various Youth Hostels have been rented, cars washed as well as non uniform days where staff have to pay to wear their own clothes.

Babeta Schneiderova, YHA (England & Wales) Development Operations Manager, explained “For these young people it’s often their first time away from home without their parents, often the first time they get to see the sea and explore the countryside.

YHA is a charity that aims to inspire everyone to broaden their horizons through new experiences of adventure and discovery. When you work for YHA you become passionate about our mission. The staff and I didn’t have to think twice about helping out Radford Primary School when we heard that 19 children might miss the experience of a lifetime.”

Deputy Headteacher and Year 6 teacher Tony Bricklebank said: “Everyone looks forward to the trip to YHA Wells. Unfortunately, this year the school and many of the parents were struggling to afford it so we were faced with no option other than to cancel it and look into more affordable alternatives. When I spoke to the manager of YHA Wells to explain our problem he said ‘leave it with me.’ I didn’t think, for one minute, he would organise a fundraising taskforce. We are just blown away by the kindness and generosity of YHA staff. It is amazing to think that so many people across the country have helped us and they don’t even know us.”

As well as providing accommodation and all meals at the Youth Hostel, the children will also be treated to a visit to a local lifeboat house and Pentshorpe, a renowned wildlife centre and host of BBC’s Springwatch programme.