Still time for Corby schools to enter Lakelands Hospice Brightest Sparks competition

A team from Oakley Vale from last year's competition

Corby primary schools still have time to enter Lakelands Hospice's 2020 Brightest Sparks competition which starts at the beginning of March.

The competition challenges primary school pupils to plan their fundraising and there will be prizes.

Last year's winner, St Patrick's Catholic Primary school raised £2,971.29 which was £11.28 per pupil.

They were awarded The Vic Hardy Bright Sparks Shield and headteacher Louise Blair said: "I think we have created future contestants for the Apprentice! The enjoyment side of it for me has been wonderful to see."

She said it was great to highlight the worthwhile cause of the hospice to children.

Other prizes up for grabs are certificates. Schools that raise up to £499 will get a bronze certificate, between £500-999 will get silver and schools that raise more than £1,000 will get a gold certificate.

The winning school is not just the largest sum raised, but is the school with the most money raised per pupil, which gives smaller schools a chance.

There are light bulb trophies for first, second and third places.

Community fundraiser for Lakelands Hospice, Marina Rae, said: "Last year we were completely overwhelmed by the total monies raised by all of the children.

"The 2019 teams have certainly set a high standard of fundraising initiatives for the teams of 2020 to aspire to.

"We can't wait to see what ideas the competition brings this year."

Priors Hall children taking part in the competition

Marina has met this year's competitors to start brainstorming their fundraising ideas.

With no NHS or government funding, every penny is valuable to the hospice.

The schools signed up to take part this year are: Hazel Leys, Oakley Vale, Our Lady of Walsingham, Priors Hall, St Brendan's, Stanion, St Patrick's.

There is still time for other schools in Corby to sign up and Lakelands Hospice said the most important thing is that everyone has fun and works as a team.

The competition will run until June.

If your school would like to participate please contact Marina Rae on 01536 747755 or email [email protected]. The competition has not yet begun, so still time for your school to sign up, plan your first event and join in the fun!