Leicestershire-based schools raise £8,000 for Rainbows

Fundraising activities from a Leicestershire-based school trust have raised over £8,000 for Rainbows, and the staff are striving for more with a crazy challenge.

Rise Multi-Academy Trust (Rise MAT) has been supporting us for four years – traditionally at Christmas time.

In December 2024, all 26 schools in the Trust took part in a Santa Run, where the primary aged children dressed in their own festive outfits.

But this summer, 10 staff from the Trust’s Central Services department are taking part in our It’s a Knockout Event.

On Tuesday 8 July, the team will join others competing in six different It’s a Knockout games, with inflatables, costumes, foam and water. The event will take place at Loughborough Grammar School at 5.30pm.

Louise Gray, Project Manager at Rise MAT, said: “We absolutely love supporting Rainbows and the children really enjoy getting involved. Staff from Rainbows have talked in our assemblies and we have watched videos about the charity, so the children understand what Rainbows is all about and who they are helping by raising money.

“We are really looking forward to taking part in the It’s a Knockout challenge and think it will be a lot of fun. It’s good to show the children that adults do things as well and show that we are all united in raising money for the same cause.”

Gary Farnfield, Rainbows Community Fundraising Manager, said: “The support we’ve had from Rise MAT has been incredible and it is wonderful to see so many children getting involved. Support from the community is invaluable to us and all money raised helps us to be there for our families at the hospice, in hospital or at home. Our It’s a Knockout is a popular, fun event and we know the staff team will have a really great time.”

To get involved with It’s a Knockout, visit rainbows.co.uk/fundraise/events/knockout