Over 70 years ago, my grandfather, Frank Wilkin, was part of a group of parents who started fundraising in order to set up a school for children with cerebral palsy. After a lot of hard work, dedication and donations, Percy Hedley School was opened in February 1953. 

My dad was recently clearing out a cupboard and found an old scrapbook Frank had collected of newspaper cuttings. This has given me a lot of insight into what they actually did. One of my favourite things was he wrote a letter to The Queen asking for a small gift to be auctioned. They received a 'canteen of cutlery' that was auctioned at a ball at Beamish Hall which brought £40, that would of been a lot of money in the 1950s!

In honour and memory of my grandfather and to celebrate 70 years of PHS being open, I am running my first ever marathon- The Edinburgh Marathon! So like grandfather, like granddaughter, I am fundraising for PHS. 

I have worked at Percy Hedley School for 9 years and have ran the last two Great North Run's as part of Team Vose, fundraising for Percy Hedley. Last September, Team Vose ran dressed as whoopie cushions😂 and I raised £280, but the money raised from this event will also be added to that pot, to buy something special for the children at Percy Hedley School ♥

I understand times are hard for us all, so any donation great or small would be greatly appreciated ❤❤❤

Thank you ♥