THE presentation of a £26,500 cheque to Chailey Heritage Foundation marked the culmination of a phenomenal year’s fundraising by pupils and staff at Cumnor House Sussex in Danehill.

The money raised by Cumnor House Sussex will be added to Chailey Heritage Foundation’s £3.1m appeal, launched in autumn 2016, to replace an ageing 1950s Assembly Hall with a modern, purpose-built indoor sports and activity centre.

The new D.R.E.A.M. Centre will allow young people, all of whom are in wheelchairs, to play indoor sport, take part in drama and musical performances, develop their balance through rebound therapy, learn to drive a powered wheelchair, and broaden their horizons through a 4D immersive experience zone.

Belinda Heinrich, wife of headmaster Christian, said: “Every year we select a charity that is close to the hearts of the Cumnor community and embark on a concerted fundraising campaign to raise as much money as we can for the school’s chosen charity.

“Our major fundraising event is the annual Christmas Fayre I organise with a committee of Cumnor parents.

“It is an eagerly anticipated community and school event that is always well attended and attracts a wide array of stallholders selling Christmas presents and produce.”

Sally-Anne Murray, Development Director at Chailey Heritage Foundation said, “We are enormously grateful to Cumnor House Sussex for their tremendous support and we thank the whole community involved in raising such a significant sum of money for our charity.

“With the support of another generous donor, the money raised has been matched, bringing the total raised to date to £3.04m – closer to our £3.1m target.”