Sister inspires teacher’s charity drive for school
ATEACHER has organised an event to raise funds which will be used to support children with special needs in memory of her sister.
Courtney Fourie from Water is organising an event to raise money for The Georgia Fourie Butterfly Fund which supports children with special needs at Holly Grove Primary School in Burnley.
The charity was set up by Courtney and her parents in memory of Courtney’s sister Georgia following her passing in 2009 at the age of nine.
Georgia, who was born with cerebral palsy, was a beloved pupil at Holly Grove Primary School and staff offered immense support.
Courtney, 26, said: “Georgia was a beautiful girl who was full of smiles all the time and filled the room with laughter and joy.
“She touched so many lives including mine and the staff at the school.
“She radiated strength and encouragement to everyone she met.
“Holly Grove made sure her last few months were amazing and memorable.”
The school runs the charity
and Courtney’s mum Melanie Fourie was vicechair of the charity.
Courtney is now a teacher at Holly Grove Primary School and vice-chair of the charity. A Butterfly Ball is held annually and has raised up to £18,000 in the past which the school have used to buy a sevenseater minibus, specialised equipment, taken the pupils on a residential to Blackpool and set up a
Helping Hand Grant to support our families and carers.
The Helping Hand Grant is awarded twice a year and the school has spent more than £1,000 on sensory equipment for use at home, trampolines, sensory dens, musical instruments, a new mattress, sensory toys and driving lessons for parents who are desperate to learn so they can take their child on day trips.
She continued: “It means
the world to the children that they will have the opportunity to have these brilliant experiences. Some children can’t access activities such as swimming due to their needs but we can ensure they are able to through the funding.”
The ticketed event will take place at Burnley Football Club on June 17 at 7pm.
There will be a raffle and a seven-day holiday is up for grabs.
Numerous businesses have sponsored the event including Farrow & Farrow in Rawtenstall and Debbie Talbot from Design Hut based in Water.
To book for the event email georgiafouriebutterlyfund@holly-grove.lancs. sch.uk