School head is up the wall for a great cause
SCHOOL children paid to stick their headteacher to the playground wall – but all for a good cause.
Pupils are Farnborough Road Junior School in Birkdale each paid to wear ‘scruffy uniform’ to annoy their headteacher, Adrian Antell, and stuck him to the wall with gaffer tape.
They stuck him to the wall so securely that when he the box he was standing on was pulled away, he was left dangling in the air
More than £1,000 was raised on the day, with all funds being donated to Debra – a charity that helps children who suffer from the skin disorder epidermolysis bullosa.
EB is a group of genetic skin conditions causing the skin to blister and tear at the slightest touch.
Those born with EB have skin so fragile they are called ‘butterfly children’ – as their skin is quite simply as fragile as the wing of a butterfly.
Speaking of the event, Mr Antell said: “It was a fabulous day where we not only raised a lot of money for a very good cause, but we were also able to raise awareness of this terrible condition.
“Our school community have been amazing and I have felt very humbled by the kind donations that have been made by all kinds of people connected to our school.
“EB is sometimes called ‘the worst disease that you have not heard of’, but at Farnborough Road we all know about it and have done something to help.”
Mr Antell is passionate about raising awareness and supporting the charity and condition, after one of his past students sadly passed away from it.
The 50-year-old is set to run the London Marathon this Sunday (April 22), and has so far been sponsored to the tune of over £4,000 – which will also be donated to the charity.
Speaking of why is he so passionate about the charity, Mr Antell explained: “Connor Marsden was a pupil at Ashurst P rima r y School in St Helens, where I was previously headteacher.
“Connor suffered from epidermolysis bullosa (EB), a condition that meant his skin would blister and tear at the slightest touch, causing unbearable pain and suffering.
“Sadly, Connor passed away when he was just 17 and a I would like to do something special in his memory to help others who endure this terrible condition.”
Mr Antell hopes that raising the money for Debra will enable it to find a cure for the condition.
To sponsor Adrian Antell, donate online at www. uk. virginmoney giving.com/FRJS.