Find out more
Not that the Wellington Community ever needs much encouragement to get involved in our much-loved “Giving Week” fundraising event, but this year our remarkable HMs have taken their adventurous spirit to new heights! Over the years, we’ve seen some jaw-dropping feats – from swimming across Swan Lake, to a 24-hour treadmill challenge, skydiving, and even one HM brave enough to get a haircut from our pupils. But Ruth, HM of Hardinge, has taken the initiative to inspire us all ahead of this year’s Giving Week, which runs from the 14th to the 19th of October.
On Sunday, Ruth completed a marathon around the college grounds, and if that wasn’t impressive enough, she carried the Hardinge anchor on her back the entire way!
“It was my way of getting a head start on Giving Week,” said Ruth. “I love running and wanted to push myself to do something meaningful. The weighted anchor felt fitting, as it’s the symbol of the Hardinge.
And she wasn’t alone in this remarkable feat. Thea Brookes (AHM) and Harry Wright (L6th tutor) each ran a half-marathon, and a host of Hardinge girls, parents, and even some staff joined in for various laps, the atmosphere was electric with everyone playing their part.
“I hope this becomes an annual tradition for Hardinge,” Ruth continued. “I won’t be carrying an anchor every year (thankfully!), but I’d love to keep this as a fun community-building event at the start of the Michaelmas term. Who knows, it could even expand into something alumni/ae can get involved with before they head back to university.”
Adding to the day’s celebratory feel was a lively band that kept spirits high and a BBQ for the girls and parents to enjoy after all that running.
The Hardinge girls showed up in full force, each wearing special charity t-shirts with anchors printed on the back – a nod to their house emblem and the day’s theme.
With Ruth’s marathon challenge setting the tone for the upcoming Giving Week, the real question is, what will the other HMs come up with next? The gauntlet has well and truly been thrown down!
We can’t wait to see what our Wellington community does to keep the momentum going!
Giving Week 14th – 19th October 2024
Giving Week is our annual fundraising event dedicated to raising awareness and vital funds for our Prince Albert Foundation (PAF) Scholarship programme. This flagship initiative aims to widen access to the incredible opportunities that a Wellington education provides. Over the last few Giving Weeks, it has become clear that our parent body wholeheartedly believes in the programme and its mission to provide young people from areas of socio-economic disadvantage a fully funded place at Wellington.
Thanks to your fantastic support last year, we were able to offer 16 more young people a full Sixth Form Prince Albert Foundation Scholarship, providing them with an extraordinary educational experience and opportunity. This year, we are proud to have a total of 38 PAF Scholars studying at College, putting us well on target to reach our goal of 40 Scholars at any one time by 2025.
For more information on this years’ Giving Week please contact community@wellingtoncollege.org.uk and look out for further information from the Wellington Community Team.
