A SPECIAL humanitarian mission has been launched by a Dorset school in support of Ukraine.

Pupils at Bryanston School have hosted fundraising efforts for the people of Ukraine as part of their annual charities weekend, with money raised paying for a huge quantity of humanitarian aid, including tinned food, sleeping bags, nappies and medical kit.

Personal messages from Bryanston pupils have also been included in nearly 400 special fun packs for Ukrainian children.

The charity event was organised by the school’s head girl, Esme Thomas, and head boy, Spencer Davies, and raised a staggering £55,100 for two additional charities: Willdoes, a Dorset mental health charity, and the ‘Girls will be Girls’ programme of United World Schools.

Parents and staff at the school were welcomed to the event, which featured sponsored personal challenges, a concert by bands and musicians from the school, a lunch for friends and family, a fashion show, a dog show and a special dinner for pupils in their final year at the school.

Bournemouth Echo:

Esme said: “Raising so much money at such short notice for the people of Ukraine was a very challenging but also a very fulfilling project.

“We’re over the moon that our efforts will do so much to help improve the lives of so many people.”

Spencer added: “We’re indebted to the entire Bryanston community for everyone’s generosity and enthusiasm over the Charities Weekend.”

Dr Hannah Fearnley, a Teacher of Classics and Head of Charities at Bryanston, said: “This is the highest ever total raised at this annual event which is a credit to everyone involved.

“With the heartfelt support, generosity and resolve of so many people, the Ukraine Aid mission is a truly collective initiative that will make a very real difference to children and families who have lost everything in this awful conflict.”