DYNAMIC duo Sandra Higgins and Samantha Howard have helped raise thousands of pounds to help promote health and wellbeing at their children’s primary school.

As members of St Wilfrid’s Parents, Teachers and Friends Association (PTFA), the Northwich mums have worked tirelessly to raise funds for additional resources the school’s budget simply can’t stretch to.

Their most recent venture, a community circus event, raised an impressive £8,000 towards new playground gym equipment which will be installed at the Greenbank Lane.

It’s for their unflagging enthusiasm that Sandra, of Royle Street, and Samantha, of Cromwell Road, have been nominated for this month’s Northwich Town Mayor’s Good Citizen Award.

Describing the pair as ‘positive, inclusive and encouraging’, fellow PTFA volunteer Samantha Newey said: “They work tirelessly and exceptionally together, leading a team of volunteers to achieve outstanding results that provide much-needed additional resources for school.

“The things that budgets can’t afford yet add enormous value to the school experience of our children.”

 

Sandra, whose sons Finley and Nathan are pupils at the school, said: “The school is massively focussed on health and wellbeing but sadly, like most schools, there just isn’t the money in the budget for extra resources like this.

“The circus event was a brilliant day – we had a lot of support from parents and local businesses. It was a really good way of raising money and welcoming the wider community into our fantastic school.”

Samantha, whose daughter Lily also attends the school, added: “The school is amazing and just knowing that the staff are doing their best for my daughter really makes me want to help support them in areas that their budget just doesn’t stretch to.

“But Sandra and I couldn’t do it alone, we’re only two people – we’ve got a great team of volunteers supporting us too.”

 

Thanks to match funding from Barclays and additional money from the Tesco Bags of Help Fund, the new equipment should be installed at the school later this academic year.

Northwich town mayor Cllr Alison Gerrard, who launched the award in May, said: “Sandra and Samantha are both worthy winners of the Good Citizen Award.

“Volunteering for something like the PTFA to raise money for schools shows dedication and commitment.

“With schools facing tight budgets, these groups are essential in supporting pupils and teachers to improve the learning experience.

“It’s great to see a focus on health and wellbeing projects at the school and in partnerships the PFTA has formed.

“Congratulations to Sandra and Samantha for this deserved recognition of their selfless hard work.”

To mark the pair’s achievements, Brio has offered Sandra and Samantha month-long membership passes.

Managing director Elly McFahn said: “To celebrate positive wellbeing in the community, Brio Leisure is awarding each winner with a Premier Membership to all of its centres for a whole month.

“As a Community Interest Company, we’re committed to improving the health and wellbeing of our residents across Cheshire West and Chester, and so sponsoring the mayor’s Good Citizen Award was a perfect match for Brio.

“Even more so this month, we are delighted to see such fantastic efforts being made to make real changes to supporting fitness and providing easier access to activities for younger people.”

Do you know anybody who is worthy of the mayor’s Good Citizen Award?

Email the person’s name, contact number and achievements to ned.bristow@nqnw.co.uk or call 01606 813621.