When we reached the summit , the children sang as a group which was incredibly moving . It was such a lovely way of spending the day with your child , meeting their friends and meeting other parents as well .

Both the children and the school have requested it become an annual event , and indeed , it ’ s happening again this year .

The regional groups have really taken off too . The lift shares enhance friendships , save parents time and money and are better for the planet too . Some students travel home by public transport together which seems safer too .

Now , when parents attend concerts , they know other parents and feel part of the school . They can get advice from each other , share problems and help facilitate friendships for their children . A sense of connection to school has replaced a feeling of isolation , and we feel like a real community .”

Based in : West Yorkshire Winners of : Fundraising Achievement of the Year Award

Nikki ( foreground ) with fellow Chetham parents ( l to r ) Julia , Sian , Katy and Frazer Johnston

Ilkley Grammar School PTA pulled together an incredible fundraising event that everybody could enjoy !

" One of the biggest challenges for secondary school PTAs is finding fundraising ideas that teenagers want to participate in . Movie nights and Christmas fairs aren ' t so popular with 11-18-yearolds , so when a parent suggested a Colour Run , we loved the idea that the whole school and community could get involved and that it encouraged kids to get active without even noticing !" says Secretary Sara Scott .

Roping in 70 volunteers for marshalling , registration and running tuck and merchandise stalls , and with sponsorships covering a portion of the up-front costs , the Ilkley Colour Run was a massive undertaking . It raised almost £ 4,000 , going towards vital causes in the school .

Ilkley ' s Headteacher , Jamie Gutch , says , " The money raised by the event enabled the PTA to support a new lighting system for the Creative Arts department , alongside securing new netball equipment , outdoor benches , and more !"

Ilkley produced a series of large colour prints of students , staff and parents participating in the Colour Run , which have been put up around the school , giving the event a lasting legacy .

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