Brentwoodian 2019

99 I knew I wanted to help people by raising money for a charity. I wanted to help sick children and their relatives, and also the doctors and nurses who help them get better. I wanted to do something that would make a difference. So I did some research and I found an amazing Charity called ‘Rosie’s Rainbow Fund’ that helps the children through musical therapy and the parents with bereavement support, if it ever comes to that stage, and respite care. ‘Rosie’s Rainbow Fund’ was set up 16 years ago when a little girl named Rosie Mayling contracted a rare autoimmune disease called vasculitis which affected her lungs and blood vessels, when she was only ten years old. She was a bright, witty, popular little girl who came from a theatrical background which inspired her to want to put on shows for other sick children and raise money for the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford where she received treatment. Unfortunately, Rosie died at the age of 11 before managing to achieve her goal. Her parents therefore founded the charity to honour her wishes; her stripey tights and love of colour were the inspiration for the name ‘Rosie’s Rainbow’. Rosie’s mum, Carolyn Mayling, said that days in hospital were long,tedious and overwhelming for Rosie, so to provide children with a focus such as banging a drum, tapping a tambourine or simply singing along with a keyboard can be invaluable in breaking up the boredom of the day. So when I was in the First Year, my form decided we should support the charity. We chose a fair theme and made popcorn and candy floss; we did a spin the wheel, lucky dip and a ‘soak the teacher’ activity (special thanks to the Music department). On top of that, we performed a chamber concert and all the money we raised went to the charity! This happened over a period of three days and we raised a total of £942.89! Recently, I have found out that all the money we sent to ‘Rosie’s Rainbow’ went towards funding a poorly child, Frankie, and his mum. Frankie is 22 months old. He is blind and can’t move much or speak but he loves to spend time with Andy, the music therapist at the John Radcliffe Hospital. He plays the tambourine with his foot. With the money we raised, we managed to buy an iPad so he could listen to his music all day. The family are now going on a special trip to Bournemouth with Frankie because of ‘Rosie’s Rainbow Fund’, so I feel privileged to be an ambassador for this little known charity. If you would like any more information about ‘Rosie’s Rainbow Fund’, head to their website: www.rosiesrainbowfund.co.uk By Bessie Taggart Rosie's Rainbow Fund Last year, I set up a charity stall for St Francis Hospice to raise money for my grandad who was unwell. My friend Toby and I sold sweets, drinks and stress toys at break and lunchtime. We raised a total of £190 to donate to the Hospice, who were amazing with the end of life care for my grandad. I aim to do this more often and raise more money for this amazing charity. By Charlie Brennan St Francis Hospice