Students from Sandown and Ryde High schools raising money to fund their Rock Challenge bid at the national finals in Sheffield. Picture by Robin Crossley.
ROCK Challenge students from two Island schools are £1,000 closer to the National Grand Final.
Ryde and Sandown High Schools qualified for the final in Sheffield next Saturday, July 11, but need around £16,000 to fund transport, accommodation, costumes and equipment.
Students from both schools joined forces for two fundraising events last weekend, in a bid to raise as many funds as possible.
They started in St Thomas’s Square, Newport, last Saturday, armed with collection buckets, which raised £337, followed by a sponsored dance at The Balcony nightclub, Ryde, on Sunday, raising nearly £800.
"We are absolutely thrilled and the students are so pleased their efforts have been worthwhile," said Rock Challenge event co-ordinator, Lindsey MacFarlane.
The money will be added to the total so far, which includes £8,000 from the Isle of Wight Council, £2,400 from the Rock Challenge charity, Be Your Best Foundation, and £1,000 from the police.
However, the schools are planning to hold more fundraising events as they still need around £3,000.
"It really is a case of every penny counts and we won’t stop until we have raised enough to get to Sheffield," said Mrs MacFarlane.
Anyone wishing to donate money can contact Mrs MacFarlane on 07747 802892.
Reporter: mattw@iwcpmail.co.uk