Leweston Prep's Lent Walk, held at the end of the Spring Term, has raised £12,074 for a student to access his very own specialist all‑terrain wheelchair, significantly exceeding its original £9,000 fundraising target.
Throughout Lent, pupils in both the Senior School and Prep School have taken part in weekly walks to raise funds for CAFOD, reflecting the school’s Catholic ethos and its emphasis on generosity and service during this season. This final walk before the Easter holidays by the Prep School, was instead dedicated specifically to supporting Henry, a pupil who requires specialist mobility equipment to access outdoor environments more easily.
The annual Prep School Lent Walk was a truly enjoyable occasion, bringing together pupils, parents, guardians and staff, as well as students from St Gilda's School, in a wonderful celebration of community, nature and kindness.
The event began with a delicious paella prepared by Mrs Young before children from Reception through to Prep 6 set off together to walk through the beautiful grounds of Leweston School. The route led the school community out towards the Belvedere, where everyone paused to admire the breathtaking views across the Dorset landscape, before continuing through woodland alive with new spring colour and carpets of vibrant bluebells.
Along the way, there was plenty of excitement and adventure. The children enjoyed the chance to jump into the long jump sand pit, with some even finding time to build a quick sandcastle!
The walk then continued to a neighbouring farm, which kindly welcomed the group to visit their chickens. Pupils delighted in feeding the chickens and selecting freshly laid eggs, carefully placing them into Easter baskets they had crafted in class.
The return to school was filled with excitement as children had a first sighting of the Easter Bunny. All the children enjoyed squash and a doughnut, and the chance to spend some pocket money at the bake sale, before concluding the event with an exciting Easter egg hunt.
The fundraising efforts were in support of Henry in Prep 3, who lives with the effects of Transverse Myelitis, a rare neurological condition. Henry became suddenly and severely ill nearly two years ago after what initially appeared to be a minor viral infection. Within 24 hours, he was paralysed from the neck down and required intensive care. He spent a month in an induced coma while doctors managed extensive inflammation of the spinal cord, and his lungs collapsed, requiring mechanical ventilation. Following this acute phase, Henry stayed in hospital for a further six months with specialists in spinal injuries.
Henry has over the last two years worked hard and remained optimistic to make progress but remains paralysed from the waist down. His family said
"He is the most resilient, strong and incredibly brave person I know. He has overcome so much in his life and still has the ability to make everyone laugh. We are truly in awe of him! He has a great team around him and with the help of the truly amazing and dedicated staff at Leweston who have fought for him tirelessly and supported his sister Florence, Henry is now back at school full time. "
This all‑terrain wheelchair will allow him greater independence and access to outdoor spaces at school and beyond.
His family said:
“We are so grateful to everyone for your incredible generosity and we are delighted that Henry can now get his all‑terrain wheelchair and other specialist equipment that will make such a difference to his life.”