Saint Helens school spreads festive cheer within the local community

Taking place at the beginning of December was the school’s annual Christmas market event. Once again it was a resounding success, with over 1000 visitors attending despite the bad weather.

The markets featured a range of food and drink stalls, craft stalls, games, a raffle prize draw, live music and dance performances, as well as a magical festive grotto.

Visitors and traders alike have praised the event, describing it as “a lovely family tradition,” “the start of Christmas,” and “much cosier than the Manchester Christmas Markets.”

The Rainford High community also took part in the St Helens Christmas Gift Appeal, with students and staff donating over 300 toys for some of the borough's most disadvantaged children and young people.

A remarkable 2,652 items have been delivered to The Hope Centre which will be distributed to different food banks around St Helens.

In addition, over 27 hampers filled with essential items and festive treats have been distributed to families in the local area who are in need this Christmas.

Concluding festivities was the highly-anticipated Santa Dash, which saw students dash energetically around the school field in Santa hats.

The school’s festivities have raised an impressive £5,784 so far. The funds will go on to support many worthwhile causes within the local and wider area.

Leading the fundraising activities was Miss Alex Fairclough-Marsh, director of business and finance at Rainford High. She said: “The incredible generosity of our students, staff, and community has been overwhelming. We are so grateful for everyone who contributed and we hope we can make a difference this Christmas.”

Mr Ian Young, principal of Rainford High, added: “Through all this fundraising and support, students have learned the importance of compassion and empathy for those who are less fortunate. Our ethos of ‘Everyone Matters, Everyone Helps, Everyone Succeeds’ has truly come to life through their generosity and dedication.”