Read for RNIB

Last week over 400 students took part in a range of activities to raise awareness of the difficulties and challenges faced by blind and partially sighted people and to raise money for RNIB to fund books and reading services.  

Did you know that only 7% of the books available to sighted people are accessible to the blind?  Inspired by RNIB’s theme of “Open up a world of reading to everyone”, students in Years 7 and 8, supported by staff, held a cake sale and a second-hand book sale, entered competitions and participated in a Sponsored Read Pyjama Party.  Winners of the competitions were invited to a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party (a scrumptious spread provided by Marcus) which included a short but lively drama performance by actors from 7R.  

We were very grateful to Heather Hebden, Manager of the Opthalmology Unit at Durham, Darlington and Durham Hospitals, Robyn Kinnersley, a young partially-sighted student, and Owen Bainbridge, a blind footballer, all of whom spent much time with us during the week discussing how to look after our eyes, the effects of certain eye diseases, how blind and partially sighted people manage, and, above all, how blindness need be no barrier to leading a full and exciting life!  

A huge thank you to all those who supported our RNIB week!