Thank you for visiting our JustGiving page. Charlie is going to pick up litter on his exercise challenges. Aiming to get at least 50 pieces of rubbish … we’ll keep you posted!

The cause is really close to us. Ridgeway School, based in Kempston, is a truly special place. They provide education, care, and support for children aged 2–19 from Bedford and the surrounding villages who have physical disabilities, complex medical conditions, and associated learning difficulties. Every pupil at Ridgeway is unique, and the dedicated staff work tirelessly to create an environment where each child can thrive, learn, and achieve their potential.

However, many of the pupils, Charlie’s friends, face a serious and growing challenge: During warmer months, classrooms become uncomfortably hot, leading to increased fatigue, distress, and, in some cases, a dangerous rise in seizures and other medical complications. These situations often require urgent medical intervention and can cause significant disruption to pupils’ learning and wellbeing.

We are fundraising to install air conditioning units across the school, creating a safe, stable, and comfortable learning environment for all our pupils. By helping us reach our £50,000 target, you will make a direct difference to children’s health, comfort, and ability to engage in their education every day.

This project will not only protect some of the most medically vulnerable children in our community, but also benefit the entire Ridgeway family — pupils, staff, therapists, and families — by reducing heat-related stress and creating a calmer, healthier, and happier school environment.

Your support will help us keep Ridgeway School cool, safe, and ready to learn — for every child, every day.