Stars take a shine to pupil's appeal
Signed photographs by Rolf Harris and David Jason, a personal letter by Emma Thompson and a cricket bat from former prime minister Sir John Major were just some of the items sent to schoolchildren in Cannock after they turned to famous figures to help them raise money for a trip to the seaside.
Signed photographs by Rolf Harris and David Jason, a personal letter by Emma Thompson and a cricket bat from former prime minister Sir John Major were just some of the items sent to schoolchildren in Cannock after they turned to famous figures to help them raise money for a trip to the seaside.
More than 70 celebrities have sent items to youngsters at Chadsmoor Junior to sell in an auction next week.
The stars were touched by the handwritten pleas from Year 6 pupils who told them they needed to raise £1,000 for their visit to Llandudno on July 15.
One of the most treasured responses was from Oscar-winning actress Emma Thompson who replied with memories of her own first trip to the seaside in Southend, which had been "very chilly" she wrote.
The fundraiser was organised when teachers discovered that some of the children had never seen the sea.
TV personality and artist Rolf sent the pupils a book and photographs while Walsall FC posted a signed ball while Wolverhampton Wanderers autographed a shirt for the pupils.
Headteacher Barbara Herszenhorn and Year 6 teacher Jeff Parkes are thrilled by their windfall.
Mr Parkes said: "We started writing to celebrities back in October because we knew it could take a while for people to get back to us."
The auction will be take place next Wednesday in the school hall. Viewing starts at 6.30pm with the auction itself at 7pm. Tickets can be bought on 01543 511000 for 50p each, or £1 on the door.
