Thousands raised for new school in Newton Poppleford

Parents, teachers and members of the community have rallied together and have so far collected more than £3,700 – which is more than the PTFA normally raises in a year.

The Herald reported the launch of a campaign being spearheaded by mum-of- two Emma Finch from West Hill in November.

Up to £30,000 is needed for vital supplies and furniture, ready for the school’s anticipated opening in September.

The PTFA launched a campaign in a bid to gain support from parents, grandparent, teachers and friends to help raise £10,000 towards the total needed.

Emma said: “We have raised more money so far than we normally do in a whole school year, but we still have a long way to go.

“We really need the community to get behind us and show their support. We are so grateful for the parents and local businesses which have been helping us.

“We can do this if we work together.”

The school has been chosen as one of three shortlisted local causes which will be eligible for a grant through the Tesco Bags of Help initiative. Three grants are available – one for £4,000, a second for £2,000 and a third for £1,000.

Emma said she would like to encourage shoppers in the area to vote for the school using the blue chips given out at the check out.

She added they currently had no equipment for the playground and were hoping to use the money for landscaping, benches, sport lines, a climbing frame as well as a few other bits.

Emma said they had also received a significant pledge of support from a charitable trust to help pay for the new stage and lighting in the new hall.

And 21 parents and teachers have now signed up to take part in a 10km Sidmouth run on March 24.

Emma and fellow parent Chris Day-Kerry plan to push themselves even further and are set to run, swim and cycle their way through a sponsored triathlon.

Visit www.justgiving.com/newtonpoppleford schoolassociation to show your support for the school.