Dear All,

AMAZINGLY, WE HAVE REACHED OUR TARGET!

THANKS SO MUCH TO EVERYONE WHO HAS DONATED THUS FAR.

If you haven't yet donated, or if you just want to know a little more about the squashathon, then please do read on!

So, what was the squashathon?   Well, the idea was to play squash for 24 hours – non-stop. The rules of squash allowed me a minute’s break between games – that’s all I got. I started at 12 noon on Friday 18 September  and I finished (you guessed it!) just after noon on Saturday 19 September.  The students of Warminster School, in half-hour slots, provided the bulk of the opposition, but Jonah , one of the greatest players in the history of the game, agreed to play the final half-hour against me – a huge honour for me as a humble club player, and a real sign of how much he too was inspired by CHSW. 

So, did I survive?   Yes, I am alive! Apart from being very stiff in the calves and thighs for a few days, I am absolutely fine. A massive thank-you to everyone who helped financially, logistically and psychologically. Had I eaten everything left for me by well-wishers, I would have actually GAINED weight during the 24 hours! Particular thanks to Mrs Morgan and Mrs Webb who masterminded the logistics and to all my 48 playing partners and to all the colleagues, parents and pupils who gave up sleep to come and support: you certainly helped to keep my spirits up.  Particular mention goes to Oli Barr, who scored ("marked", as it is called in squash jargon) from the viewing balcony for 21 hours in one go - a great effort! For the stattos amongst you, the record reads: Games Played: 251; Won: 250; Lost 1 (well done, Billy Ho!). Jonah Barrington was outstanding: it was such a thrill for me to be on court with the legend himself.  He was a fantastic ambassador for the sport, and so generous of his time. I managed to squeeze past him, 3 games to 0 (9-2, 9-4, 9-8). [I mention the game scores because one significant piece of sponsorship depends on how I got on against Jonah!]

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page - it will be up for a few more weeks.

I am really excited about this charitable venture – above all, because I believe so strongly in the cause for which we are asking for your support. As you probably know, already has well-established links with the Children’s Hospice South-West. This, however, is possibly the largest whole-school charity project we have attempted in our 302-year history.

Most importantly, let me say something about this wonderful charity. Children’s Hospice South-West (CHSW) exists to support children who are affected by life-limiting conditions (meaning that they will not reach adulthood) and also the families of these children.  The mission statement of CHSW is “Making the Most of Short and Precious Lives”.  The charity currently has two hospices in the South-West, with a further hospice to follow in within the next couple of years.  In each of their wonderful facilities, Little Bridge House and Charlton Farm, they have 8 children’s bedrooms, and plenty of accommodation for parents and the rest of the family. The aim has been to keep the feel of the hospices as "Home from Home" environments. In preparing for a child coming to stay, the bedroom will be made welcoming with some of their favourite books, DVDs and toys.

I went to Charlton Farm a month or two ago to see the facilities for myself.  It was an uplifting and yet humbling experience – and one which made me more determined than ever to ensure that we, as a school community, can and will make a difference. The hospices cater for four distinct but inter-connected needs: for respite care, for palliative care, for emergency care and for end-of-life care. CHSW receives very little funding from the state and relies on individual, community, corporate and grant making bodies to raise funds through donations. This means that the organisation is always in need of funds to sustain their efforts – but it also means that the hospices retain a feel somewhere between that of a hotel and a family home. Yet, despite this homely feel, they have all the staff and facilities required to look after children who require 24-hour care, whilst allowing siblings and parents the chance to breathe, relax and to spend precious time as a family. I was amazed by the quality of the facilities and by the commitment and professionalism of the staff.  It is a truly wonderful place.

Please do give generously – for a fantastic cause.  Thank you very much for your support.

Finally, a few words about using this website. Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to CHSW and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.

Thanks again,

Martin Priestley