Chances are, you’ve read one of my blog posts before. Hopefully you got something from it. Perhaps you’ve followed my ramblings for years. You might even be one of those special people (thank you!) who say nice things about my writing.
You may have noticed that I haven’t asked you to ‘buy me a coffee’. I don’t ’monetise’ my blog by loading it up with adverts either. I’m not in it for the money.
But today I’m asking you to dig deep by going here and donating whatever you feel able to.
What’s it all about?
Well, I’m raising money towards heating the school in which I work; the school I have been headteacher at for over 10 years.
Our ancient boilers, affectionately known as Jack and Jill, have reached the end of their lives.
We knew it was going to happen and have been bidding for government capital funding to replace our entire, clapped out heating system. Sadly, we have not been successful. We are trying again this year, but have ramped up the ambition by going for a green solution.
Last winter, our heating repeatedly broke down. We were cold! Students would often wear coats and gloves in lessons. So would staff.
This year, we have been forced to hire temporary boilers at the cost of about £4000 per month.
The children and staff at my school deserve better. I am not making a political point. I’m just telling you how it is. We can moan about it or do something about it. I’m more doer than moaner..
The money raised will seed fund an environmentally friendly bid. It will go towards the contribution we need to make as a school.
So, I am asking for sponsorship. But for what?
In the summer of this year I will be trekking up Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world.
If you know me, you’ll know that I love mountains. You’ll also know that I am a slightly overweight, over stressed, middle aged bloke. I’m not expecting it to be easy!
Of course, my motivation for doing this is that I really want to climb the damn thing. It is a personal challenge – no doubt part of some midlife crisis. I am paying for it myself. I’ll get fit (or at least fitter). I’ll dine out on it for years, no doubt.
But if I’m going to do it, I want to leverage some benefit for others. I also want to raise some awareness about the need for capital investment in schools and bang the drum a bit about the environment. These are matters of great concern to young people. We must do better by them.
Enough said. If you feel able to contribute financially, thank you. If not, then your encouragement and support is welcome. Wish me luck.
Donate here.
Matthew Evans 