THE ‘phenomenal’ fundraising efforts of a Northwich community who helped their school recover from a flood have been recognised with an award.

The community of Witton Church Walk CE Nursery and Primary School won a Youth Group Award in the Community ReAwards, which took place at the Vale Royal Abbey Golf Club on January 28.

Parents, friends and staff rallied round after the school, in Church Walk, was flooded in January 2021 and forced to close, raising more than £13,500 and donating time and practical items to get the school back on its feet.

Amy Lear and Gemma Lord, two parents who set up a GoFundMe page to help the school, said: WWe were both devastated to hear about the school being affected by the flood back in January 2021.

WWe have both been part of the school community for 10 years and we really wanted to help in any way we could.

WAs we were in a pandemic we couldn’t physically help, so we set up a GoFundMe online fundraiser to help the school with some extra funds.

WThe response was phenomenal - in total we raised more than £10,000 for the school and gained support from the whole community and donors UK-wide.

"Never did I think we’d be on TV and radio.

"We are hugely honoured and delighted that the funds helped our school to bounce back, brighter than ever.

"We’d like to thank each and every donor, and thank the PTA and school for their invaluable support.

"It was a fabulous Team effort and we’re overjoyed with the support received."

Northwich Guardian:

The school was closed for 12 weeks while repairs took place, with the money raised by the community being used to replace countless items damaged in the flood.

Adele Bebbington-Plant, chairman of the Friends of Witton Church Walk Nursery and Primary School, said: "We are incredibly grateful to Amy and Gemma for setting up the go fund me page.

"It helped us to raise awareness and was a catalyst for a truly overwhelming response from our school community and the wider community.

"Friends of Witton Church Walk are a small, but dedicated group of parents and friends of the school. We were inundated for a period of time, coordinating fundraising efforts, donations of money, time and goods from so many different individuals, groups and businesses.

"We want to say a sincere thank you to each and every person who helped or donated in any way.

"I would also like to thank our small committee for the huge amount of work they carried out, whilst we were all still juggling lockdown, homeschooling and work - we were literally working round the clock.

"We received a total of £13,732 including the go fund me and direct donations, plus donations of goods.

"We are overjoyed that it enabled us to help restore our school, enriching the learning and wellbeing of our children after such a devastating event."

Northwich Guardian:

Kathryn Magiera, Headteacher at the school, said: "As a school we are so grateful for the fundraising that was generated for our school. 

"Not only did our parents and families come together but our whole town and local community, it was overwhelming. 

"We have been able to use the additional funds to create wonderful outdoor learning spaces for all of our children - an outdoor classroom for everyone to use, climbing areas, mud kitchens and learning resources for the environments for Year 1, Nursery and Reception. 

"The children have had a wonderful time developing their curiosity as they have been investigating the areas.  

"Everyone at our school just values and will not forget the generosity our whole community showed our school, we will always remember this in our hearts."