Schoolchildren sport finest Christmas knitwear for festive fundraiser

Children at a Croydon primary school took part in some festive fundraising last week.

Chestnut Park Primary in St James’s Road, a member of the GLF Schools Multi-Academy Trust, held a Christmas Jumper Day on Wednesday to raise money for South London charity, James Box of Smiles.

Set up by Jane Carpenter in memory of her son, James, who died of a brain tumour in 2022 at the age of 22, the charity donates Lego to children, teenagers and adults undergoing cancer treatment at hospitals across the region.

All 602 pupils at Chestnut Park took part in the fundraiser, dressing in seasonal knitwear and decorating gingerbread which had been provided by the school’s caterers.

Head of School, Sarah Rumbol said: “Jane, the charities chief executive officer, came in to help across the school with the activity.

“All the children made and decorated gingerbread Christmas trees, which had been donated by our catering company, Chartwells, to take home in return for their donation.

“We have raised more than £300 in previous years, and hope to have raised more than £600 this time.”

Other GLF members taking part in their own Christmas Jumper Day celebrations included Merstham Park School in Redhill, Meridian High School in Croydon, and Greenway Junior School in Horsham.

Mrs Rumbol said: “We love to be involved with fundraising for excellent causes, and teach the children about community values.

“This charity holds a special place for Rachel Jacob, our Executive Head, who knew James and his family personally from her previous school.

“Jane and her husband came to our school in October to speak to the children about the charity, so they were excited to raise money.”

Pictured top: Chestnut Park Primary caterers get stuck into the festivities for Christmas Jumper Day (Picture: Chestnut Park Primary)