Over the Febuary half term, 9 girls from Old Palace of John Whitgift School embarked upon a 12 mile walk from East Croydon Station to Trafalgar Square to raise money for the Wings of Hope Achievement Award (WOHAA).
WOHAA is a scheme set up by the Wings of Hope Foundation to give school children in years 9 – 13 the chance to raise money for the charity and to win and all expenses paid trip to India. Here they will visit the children their hard earned money is going towards.
The Old Palace students took the name ‘United Hearts’ and since October they have been planning and preparing different ways to fundraise. The girls were a success at their school Christmas Fair in which they managed to raise £190 by selling Krispy Kreme doughnuts to teachers, parents and fellow peers.
However this time they decided to embark upon a trek from Croydon to London, covering 12 miles of greater London. The girls had an early start at 9am and their route took them through Thornton Heath, Streatham, Brixton, Kennington, Vauxhall and eventually Westminster.
Holly Nicholls, one of the walkers, told me: “It was a walk that tested motivation, determination and stamina. I was surprised that I even completed it to be honest as I am not a 'keen walker'. Nevertheless it was an extremely rewarding experience that still feels like a vision! The hardest part was snow and the straight endless roads. The highlight was seeing the Thames and all the sites of the London and of course the meal afterwards. I managed to raise £76.87 and am still collecting!”
Taiwo Ali, the head of United Hearts, had this to say: “Though it got extremely tiring I’m happy to say I have something unique for charity. I mean, who can say they've walked from Croydon to London! I am so proud of everyone in the team and that no one gave up. Thanks to all our sponsors who have given us hope and support throughout. We hope in the near future we will be able to achieve the same standard of greatness that we achieved through the walk.”
United Hearts are still collecting sponsors. If you wish to make a donation please visit this website:
