Herculean Charity helps Burton Hill School
Royal Air Force Lyneham
www.raf.mod.uk/raflyneham
18th November 2006

Cheques were presented to the staff of Burton Hill School from members of 24 Squadron, RAF Lyneham. The first cheque totalling £2,200, was raised by generous donations from supporters of Sergeant Ozzy Hicks who completed the Great North Run in October this year. A second cheque for £730 raised from the Summer Fete last June was given to Mrs Alice Langtree, the Deputy Principle of the school.

Sarah Davis, the Fundraising Co-ordinator for the school expressed “Fund raising is the only key to acquire equipment for these children to enable them to maximise their use of communication.

The money is used to buy Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Some children are unable to use a mouse or keyboard so access to a touch-screen monitor facilitates their need to communicate”. Previous donations from the squadron have already bought two touch-screen monitors for the school.

Fundraising is only a fraction of the Squadrons’ commitment to the School. At the School Christmas Party last year volunteers from the Squadron provided refreshments and entertainment and Sergeant Ozzy Hicks replaced his flying suit with a fetching red and white number and acted as Santa for the day.

In January this year the School was invited to RAF Lyneham for a preview of the Stations’ seasonal Pantomime, whilst during the months of April to June, lads from the Squadron refurbished the “Sensory Path” within the grounds. The 70 metre path enables wheelchair users to safely explore the grounds of Burton Hill School whilst being stimulated by toys and educational tools en route.

Unfortunately, the school is to close next year due to a drop in student numbers caused by the lack of support from various authorities to place students at the school.

This closure will be an immense loss to the children who attend. Henry Gell aged 18, one of the full time boarders, comes from Derbyshire but the specialized facilities provided by Burton Hill ensure his needs are fully catered for. Staff are campaigning against the closure and need all the support and help possible.

Wing Commander Don Turnbull Officer Commanding 24 Squadron said "Our support to Burton Hill is a very worthwhile cause and we are honoured to be involved in supporting them. We are very sad to hear of the imminent closure and will continue our services to them".