Hanwell Fields Community School kicked off a remarkable 24‑hour sporting challenge that brought together pupils, staff, parents, and the wider local community in support of Katharine House Hospice, near Banbury.

The fundraiser forms part of Hanwell Fields’s involvement in Katharine House Hospice’s annual Accumulator Challenge, in which local schools, colleges, and businesses compete to raise the most funds for the charity.

During the school day, pupils of all ages enjoyed a wide array of activities including circuit training, gymnastics, dance, archery and football, with local clubs also stepping in to support the initiative. Pupils benefited from generously-ran, specialist sessions delivered by Banbury United Football Club, Banbury Rugby Club, and British Cycling, with students in Years 11 and 12 from North Oxfordshire Academy also lending their help.

After school, members of staff, as well as parents and supporters from across the local community, took on the baton and showed their commitment to the impressive fundraising effort by taking part in sporting activities throughout the night, including badminton, table tennis and volleyball. The following morning, the dedicated participants completed their very last sporting session, and celebrated their exceptional collective efforts.

The school community has raised over £3,700 towards the Accumulator Challenge.

Winnie, a Year 3 pupil at the school, said:

“I loved how many things there were to do. I joined in with 10 sports!”

One parent at the school, Peter Luker, added:

“Joining the event at 9:30pm, I was amazed to find the teachers, staff and their families still full of energy and throwing themselves fully into the challenge. It was incredibly fun to participate. Congratulations to all involved on an amazing event and a huge sum raised for a fantastic cause!”

Rebecca Lister, Communities Hub Co-ordinator at Hanwell Fields, said:

“We’re incredibly proud of how our school and community joined together and really rallied behind this fundraising effort. This challenge wasn’t just about sport – it was about teamwork, compassion, and supporting a charity that means so much to so many.”

Alex Pearson, Head Teacher at Hanwell Fields Community School, said:

“Very well done and thank you to all those who took part in this fantastic 24-hour charity initiative. I am extremely grateful to our members of staff who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to organise such an inspiring, community-powered event, as well as to our pupils, parents and community members who showed such enduring commitment.

“Katharine House Hospice’s Accumulator Challenge is something our school community is honoured to be a part of each year and so we are delighted once again to be able to support such a worthwhile local cause.”