Students and staff from John Hanson Community School in Andover are preparing to take on an incredible 24-hour Sportathon, raising funds to help create a Parkinson’s Gym for the Andover community.
The challenge will run from 3:05pm on Thursday 19 March until 3:05pm on Friday 20 March, with Year 11 students going head-to-head with teachers in a continuous sporting competition across 15 different sports. Around 100 Year 11 students, staff and former students will take part throughout the event as the teams battle to be crowned overall champions.
The ambitious fundraising event has been organised by the school’s senior prefects, working closely alongside staff to bring the challenge to life.
Members of the local community are also invited to join in and support the event. From 5pm on Thursday evening, the school will host a variety of activities including bingo, a quiz, stall holders, a raffle and a tuck shop, all helping to raise additional funds for the cause.
All money raised will go towards creating a dedicated Parkinson’s Gym in Andover, led by Becky Buckingham, founder of the Andover Parkinson’s Café. The gym aims to offer specialist exercise sessions, social activities and support to help people living with Parkinson’s stay active, feel supported and improve their quality of life.
Becky Buckingham explained the deeply personal inspiration behind the project.
“Watching someone you love slowly lose parts of who they are is heartbreaking. My mum has been living with Parkinson’s since 2013 and later developed Parkinson’s Dementia. Before illness took hold she was outgoing, chatty and full of life.”
She added that the Parkinson’s Café originally began as something created just for her mum, but has since grown into a supportive community for many people.
“Creating a Parkinson’s Gym is the next step to help people stay active, feel supported and continue living life, not just coping.”
Head Girl Anya Jankowski said the event is particularly meaningful to her.
“We are all really excited about our event, not just the Sportathon itself, but also the difference it will make. This cause is especially meaningful to me because Becky is my cousin, so it’s very personal. We know it will be challenging, but it will be completely worth it to help support the community.”
Mr Holmes added:
“This will be the fifth event of its kind and the dedication of the students during the planning phase means it is likely to be one of our biggest yet. We are all looking forward to the competition during the event and raising as much money as possible for a great local cause.”
The event has been generously supported by local sponsors including Parker Bullen LLP, Hysons Chartered Accountants, DF Mobility, The Buddha Restaurant, and The DeeDee Trust.
Additional support has also been provided by Stitch A Logo, Dotty Balloons, and Bulpitt Printing, helping make the event possible.
Anyone wishing to support the Sportathon can attend the event from 5pm on Thursday evening, or donate online via the JustGiving page, with every contribution helping bring the Andover Parkinson’s Gym one step closer to becoming a reality.