Students on the run for special cause

Eleven determined fundraisers are taking part in the Coast 2 Coast Challenge 2025 which will see them start in St Bees in Cumbria and finish in Robin Hood’s Bay in North Yorkshire. They have been training for the last four months and are continuing a tradition that the school has taken part in for the last 25 years.

To help focus their efforts, the students visited the Neonatal Unit to gain a better understanding of the care and support given to families and to talk to parents of premature babies.

Gabrielle, 15, was a member of the visiting group.

“To be able to visit and speak to the parents of Arthur, one of the babies being looked after, really focused me” she said.

“It makes me determined to do what I can to help the unit.”

Katie Haywood, Matron of Neonatal Services at The Royal Wolverhampton Trust, said: “We are very grateful to the students for choosing to support us in their fundraising. To be able to welcome them on a visit too will hopefully inspire them to succeed in their challenge which is certainly a tough one.

“One in eight babies born here will need Neonatal care so on behalf of our babies and their families we say good luck and thank you!”

The group has set itself a target of £3,000 but that amount has already been passed and currently stands at more than £5,800. The challenge will take place on Saturday 24 May.

Mr Tony French, Coast2Coast Lead at Wolverhampton Grammar School, said: “We really appreciated the visit to Neonatal because it really brought home to us all just how important the unit is and the range of support it offers to people in our communities.

“The staff do an incredible job there – we saw that for ourselves – and it was a privilege to be able to speak to some of the parents too. We wanted to inspire and motivate the team, showing them the tangible difference their efforts can make and reinforcing the idea that nothing is impossible when approached with determination.

“We’re proud of our students for continuing such a selfless tradition that benefits others.”

Amie Rogers, Fundraising and Lead Digital Engagement Officer, added: “With the challenge just over a week away we send our best wishes to the group for a safe and successful fundraiser.

“Their efforts will help us buy items above and beyond what the NHS provides such as slip on covers for the incubators and items to support us to deliver exceptional care.”

To donate go to https://www.justgiving.com/page/wgs-coast2coast2025