Creative student adds personal touch to charity fund-raiser

A “KIND and thoughtful” school pupil has won praise from his proud teachers after keyrings he created and sold raised vital cash to help vulnerable babies.

Oakwood High School student Josh Bell (13) decided to support Rotherham Hospital’s special care baby unit — after hearing about how SCBU looked after his head of house Ben Liversidge’s twin babies when they arrived prematurely.

Year 9 pupil Josh, who is in Keppel House at the school on Moorgate Road, said: “We were doing some fundraising for charity before Christmas and I spoke to my CT teacher about my idea for some special keyrings.

“She said it was a good idea and to work with (technician) Mr Oakes so he could help me.

“We made some out of acrylic and some out of wood and the wooden ones worked best so we made 55 of the gingerbread man design.

“They looked great and I started selling them the next day. After a couple of days, we sold out and I raised £55 for SCBU.

“I wanted to raise money for young children not as fortunate as me and my siblings and I thought it would be good to help.”

Mr Liversidge said: “My premature twins spent time on SCBU and I know first-hand the wonderful work they do.

“I am very grateful to Josh and we’re really proud of him — he did this all completely off his own back and deserves all the credit.”

Technician Robert Oakes said: “It was a pleasure to work with a kind and thoughtful student like Josh, who was happy to take time out from his busy school life to help other people.”

Head teacher Chris Steele said: “We’re very proud of what Josh has done — things like this represent what the school is all about.

“Each of the four school houses has a different charity they raise money for and the houses are like families within families.

“What Josh has done has a real personal touch to it.”

Since the autumn term started last year, pupils have raised nearly £1,200 through various fundraising activities for charities including Pakistan Flood Relief and the Teenage Cancer Trust, as well as making donations to the food bank, Mr Steele added.

Rachael Dawes, head of fundraising at Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity, said they were grateful to Joshua and the school.

She added: “Donations such as these can make a big difference to the care we provide, helping us go the extra mile for our patients.

“We are looking forward to working with Oakwood High School throughout the year.”