All the fun of the fair helps people regain their independence

The pupils from the Oswestry secondary school and sixth form were able to join in competitions, music sessions, a pet show and even get to custard pie their teachers during the event in February.

As well as having fun the day had a serious side, supporting the town's Ethos charity.

Chief Executive of Ethos Fae Dromgool visited school this week for the official cheque handover of £2,196.

Fae said: “We are extremely grateful to The Marches School for supporting our charity this year. The work we do means people with life-changing injuries and illnesses can get back to an independent life and it’s wonderful to have that recognised by our local school. We’ve been so impressed by the staff and pupils in finding such an innovative way to have lots of fun as well as raising funds.

“We are currently appealing for money to buy six new turning beds which will help our clients with severely restricted mobility avoid pressure ulcers. The success of the Virtual Fete will go a long way to helping us achieve our target.”

The school will continue to support Ethos, which provides adapted, short-term accommodation and advocacy support for people with life-changing physical disabilities. It also assist in the search for suitable, long-term homes.

Teacher Torment

During the week of the virtual fete pupils took part in various challenges from sport to cooking and even TikTok challenges.

They also had the chance to vote in the much anticipated ‘Teacher Torment’ activity, to decide which teacher they wanted to see with pie on their face, and although the hashtag #VoteMrRobinson was the runaway winner against #VoteMrPritchard both teachers received a custard pie in the filmed event.

School leadership said they were incredibly grateful to be supported by a number of local organisations and businesses including Colour Supplies which donated a new bike, won by Lucy Jermaine-Jones.

Associate assistant headteacher at the Marches School, Dan Pritchard, said: “We are really proud that as a school community we have raised over £2,100 for Ethos Oswestry, which we hope will help support the remarkable work that the charity does.

"We are incredibly pleased with the success of the event, it was important to us that our students had fun in a safe, Covid-secure way, whilst also raising as much money as a school in the process for Ethos. We would like to give a big thank you to all our students, families and staff who generously donated to the cause.

"We are also thankful to have had the support of numerous incredible local organisations who have kindly gifted prizes or funds towards the event.”