Students ready to raise funds

Students ready to raise funds

Victoria College students will be raising money to support a motor neurone disease charity next week with a day of action-packed fundraising events.

Taking place on Wednesday 20 June, Debtin Day is being held in support of MNDA Jersey – the Motor Neurone Disease Association. Debtin Day was the brainchild of Year 10 student Sammy Cooil, who, along with his family, witnessed the devastating effect the disease had on their close family friend, Debbie, who bravely battled the condition.

‘Having experienced a valued friend endure this horrific illness and seeing her husband and their three children – two of similar age to myself – lose their mother, I felt driven to minimise the anguish and heartbreak for anyone suffering or caring for a loved one with this cruel disease,’ said 15-year-old Sammy.

‘MNDA Jersey is seriously underfunded and as yet the disease has no cure. It can happen to anyone, at any age.’

A labour of love for Sammy, Debtin Day (‘the name is a play on “in debt” as a thanks to the people who have inspired us’) will see Victoria College students and teachers embarking on a series of fundraising initiatives. The plans include a ‘guess the number of balloons in the car’ contest, an arm-wrestling booth with biology teacher Mr Cox, a ‘Design a Tin’ competition, in which participants must use their artistic flair to design a tin using paint, paper and/or decorative objects amongst other events.

‘There will also be games, raffles and a cake sale,’ said Sammy. ‘Thanks to the support of the headmaster, Mr Watkins, and the help and encouragement from my form teacher, Miss Adams, Debtin Day is also going to be a dress-down day, with everyone wearing T-shirts with the names of their chosen inspirational individuals written on the front – ideally men or women who have inspired them during their lifetime.’

In addition, Sammy has also received gifts and vouchers to give away as competition prizes from several local companies including Sandpiper C.I., Chordz Music School, Consortia Partnership Ltd and Jersey Electricity’s Powerhouse.

‘I want Debtin Day to show that Victoria College is not just about our academic success, but that the boys and staff really care about the Jersey community,’ he added.

‘We are trying to make Debtin Day one of our biggest charity days ever.’

Sammy and the school are now asking Jersey residents and local companies to join in the fundraising fun to support Debtin Day, either during the week or on the day itself.

‘Whether it’s a cake sale or a dress-down day, whatever you wish, anything to help raise as much money as possible for this very worthy cause,’ Sammy said.

And Sammy isn’t the only member of the Cooil family who has been working hard to raise funds to help tackle motor neurone disease. In May, his father, David, took part in Boxin’ Business, a white-collar boxing event that saw the Dandara commercial director step out of his comfort zone in order to raise more than £60,000 for MNDA Jersey and SCBU Jersey.

‘My form, 10 Diarmid, are so proud to be raising money in memory of Debbie,’ Sammy said. ‘The inspirational theme for Debtin Day has come purely from her.’

  • MNDA Jersey is run by volunteers and four qualified association visitors, who offer emotional and practical support, including specialised equipment, to those with the disease. All funds raised on Debtin Day will be donated to the charity. Anyone wanting to donate to MNDA Jersey is asked to send cheques to the donations officer, Mrs Wendy Lees, Lynton, Rue des Marettes, St Martin, JE3 6DS, quoting ‘Debtin Victoria College’ on the reverse.
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