FUNDRAISING

How You Can Help
Each year we need to raise money for building work, equipment and research in order to meet the changing needs of our young people and to continue our ground-breaking approach to education and care. We encourage our young people to be independent and specialize in maximizing the opportunities for communication and mobility.  With today’s technology and our expertise the opportunities are countless, but only available to the children if we can find the funding ourselves. 

You can help in so many ways whether it’s by giving a one-off donation, a regular monthly gift, taking part in a sponsored run, or by organizing an event to support our work. Local schools can support us by organizing their own fundraising activities.

Your donations will help our young people to achieve their goals, whether it is driving a powered wheelchair or communicating through their computer.

For further information, please contact Sally-Anne Murray, Development Director; 01825 724444 Ext 317 or email: smurray@chs.org.uk .Alternatively, donations can be made by cheque payable to Chailey Heritage School, Haywards Heath Road, North Chailey, E. Sussex, BN8 4EF

Background

Chailey Heritage School was founded in 1903 by Dame Grace Kimmins, a pioneer of education for disabled children, and was the first purpose built special school in the country.

Over the years we have progressed from educating ambulant, physically disabled pupils in our early years, to the children we have today who are almost all wheelchair users, with little or no speech or limb control. We have therefore had to undertake a series of building initiatives to ensure that our facilities are suitable for the young people we have today. 

Appeals

Since 1992, the School has raised in excess of £8m via two major appeals - The Chailey Challenge 1992-1998 and the Centenary Appeal 2003-2007. Money has been raised through donations from Trusts, Livery Companies, the Media and many individuals. Many fundraising events were organised and we worked closely with local organisations and businesses who helped raise significant sums for the School. In 2006 we were fortunate to win a significant grant from BBC Children in Need and were one of three charities to be featured in the Telegraph Christmas Appeal during 2006/2007.

As our Centenary Appeal draws to a close the new St Martin’s Primary Building has been successfully completed, and the newly refurbished 16+ Department was ready for occupation at the beginning of the Autumn Term 2007.  Thanks to the generosity of our donors, both projects were completed on time and on budget.

Andrew enjoys driving his powered wheelchair in the newly refurbished and spacious 16+ Department.