In March 2019, academies from across the Thomas Deacon Education Trust took part in the first Trust-wide charity fundraiser in aid of Little Miracles. Each academy completed the Martial Arts Challenge with Taylor's Academy of Sport Karate (TASK), as well as hosting their own individual activities to support their fundraising efforts.

Following a count-up of the money raised, Upwood Academy hosted a closing event for partners and student representatives from each school. UPA pupils, Joshua, Riley, Jacob, Klara and Ellie did a wonderful job of delivering the assembly, opening with a warm welcome and introduction to the guest speakers for the day.

Rachel, Little Miracles, shared her experience of raising a child with additional needs and how Little Miracles has supported her, along with the many other families that access their services. The TDET children learned about the work that the charity does and the difference their fundraising activities will make to the children and families accessing services at Little Miracles.

The assembly continued with Robert from TASK sharing his experience of growing up with a limiting condition and how he managed to find a way to control this to become 8 times martial arts World Champion and Peterborough Sports Personality for two consecutive years. 

The assembly concluded with a celebration video, highlighting moments from each of the Trust schools’ fundraising activities before Mrs Whitelaw, Headteacher at Upwood Academy joined the pupils on stage to present Little Miracles with a cheque for £3602.12.

TDET CEO, Julie Taylor said, " I am delighted that children from academies across the Thomas Deacon Education Trust have been involved with such a worthwhile cause. A good sum of money has been raised and I know that the young people have enjoyed taking part in the events"