YOUNG people from a school in Bournemouth carried out a sponsored walk to Sandbanks to raise money for their partner school in Rwanda.

All years of students at Talbot Heath School, along with teachers, staff and parents went the 15km distance from Talbot Woods to Poole and back in aid of College St Emmanuel.

It is hoped that the funds raised, predicted to be at least £1,000, can be put towards water storage tanks, which will enable pupils from the school in Rwanda to receive fresh clean water.

Angharad Holloway, headteacher, said: “It was a really fantastic event.

2It was great to see all ages doing the walk, with our youngest participant aged three from the Kindergarten.

“We had 113 walkers consisting of pupils, parents, grandparents and families, plus two dogs taking part.

“The weather held off for us, which we were pleased about, and as we got to Sandbanks from the school, we saw some kitesurfers and powerboats on the water.”

Angharad said that the young people at the school wanted to do something ‘significant’ for the children in Rwanda.

The school has previously carried out fundraising activities for new dormitories for College St Emmanuel.

“I was immensely proud and hope everyone realises that every step they took was providing clean water for the kids in Rwanda.”

Mrs Holloway also added that this week, the school in Rwanda and the local community in the village planned to open a memorial to the victims of the genocide 20 years ago.

She went on to say that perhaps it would send a message of hope to them that young people and their families in England were able to give them some good news about the fundraising walk.