Coronavirus Kent: Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys stage virtual dance-off for Kent, Surrey and Sussex air ambulance
Published: 11:14, 03 April 2020
Updated: 11:31, 03 April 2020
School may be closed but it could not stop staff, pupils and their families coming together for some fundraising fun.
Although the annual Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys sixth form fun run fell victim to coronavirus social distancing rules, the students came up with the idea of an online fancy dress dance-off which could include all members of the school community.
Pupils and staff were sent a video of a sixth form dancer performing to the sound of Pump It Up by Endor - and were then encouraged to film and share their dance interpretation of the track.
Deputy head boy Gabriel Kupper said: "We were determined to make our final fundraising activity count this year and we thought it would cheer everyone up to join together remotely in a fun experience."
A selection of the videos made by pupils and staff have since been shared on the school's social media channels and on YouTube.
This year's fundraising efforts at the school have been in aid of Air Ambulance Kent Surrey Sussex, with £2,775 already raised before the virtual dance-off took place.
Now the Just Giving page set up by the boys for the musical event which took place on Tuesday has raised almost the same amount again, smashing through the initial £500 target they set.
Headteacher Amanda Simpson said: "Throughout the year I have been proud to see our sixth formers run various activities to raise vital funds for their chosen charity. It is a testament to their determination that they have found a fun and uplifting way to end the year’s fundraising."
Air Ambulance community fundraiser Sarita Taneja said: "At such a difficult time for us all, it means even more that our supporters are still thinking of the charity and fundraising in their fantastic ways – it really does mean so very much to us."
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Rhys Griffiths