Students show spirit by taking top award
School’s AbbotsFriends raises money for good causes
KIND-HEARTED students at an Uxbridge School have won an award for their community-minded efforts.
Year 11 pupils at Abbotsfield Boys School, in Clifton Gardens, have scooped the Spirit of 2012 Award, given to those who demonstrate the spirit of togetherness that was a legacy of the London 2012 Olympics.
While in Year 9, the youngsters were given a motivational talk by a visitor from Team London Young Ambassadors.
They were inspired to form the AbbotsFriends and, with the support and guidance of teacher Kerry O’Malley, started raising cash for good causes and volunteering at a home for the elderly.
Ms O’Malley said: “Over the past two years they have been making regular visits to Sweetcroft care home where they spend time with the residents and participate in activities.
“This has been a fantastic opportunity to engage the older generation with the younger and the pupils have enjoyed listening to some of the residents’ interesting life stories.”
Ms O’Malley added: “AbbotsFriends have made a difference in their local community in so many different ways.
“From organising a hugely successful summer fair to providing a haven of sanctuary to the boys in younger years, they thoroughly deserve recognition for their fantastic work.”
AbbotsFriends raised more than £1,500 for charities such as MacMillan and Free the Children, Red Nose Day, Poppy Appeal and Children in Need. The students collected their award on behalf of their school at the Team London Award Ceremony at City Hall on September 14.
Head teacher Mark Bland said: “We are very proud of the boys and their charity work, it shows that the young men of Abbotsfield look beyond our school and want to give to the wider local community.
“It is also great to see so many boys giving up so much of their own time to such good causes.”