Why would anyone want to do this?
The aim of this paddle is to raise awareness and £5000 for a much needed local charity - Pearson Pre-School (registered charity 282195), Thurlestone, South Devon.
As a small family in the local community we heavily rely upon our facilities. We are very lucky to have a village shop, pub, post office and school. Sadly, we all know how vulnerable these services are. They need support from both within and outside the community in order to survive – such is the nature of village life with second homes and rural economic pressures.
As a father of a 3 year old the school is very important to us. We are very lucky to be able to share with our daughter some of the values of community life. This includes her attending a local village pre-school with committed teachers and friends who make it a warm, friendly and positive environment for our children to grow. From our own personal family experience it is ideal for our lives and work to have this facility here on our doorstep. We would really like this facility to continue for our friends and families in the local area.
Sadly, the climate of financial support for pre-schools means that they do rely on fundraising for facilities and equipment. After several difficult financial years Pearson’s future is looking much brighter but the pre-school does need some help. It is showing its 36 years – it has wonderful sea views but the occasional (!) wet and windy climate of those coastal views has played its toll on the building and repair work is needed. The school also would welcome some new educational tools and equipment to reflect the vibrant and positive people who make up the community. We want a chance to let the pre-school really celebrate all we have here – the coast, the countryside and village life.
Let’s not lose our wonderful community spirit! Please help us keep our school thriving for all the local children by clicking here to go to the sponsorship page.
