Six years ago, one of our teachers, Mrs Macaulay, died of cancer. When it was the 50th birthday of our Family Support Advisor, instead of asking for presents she asked for colleagues to join her on the Midnight Walk in Weston to raise money for the hospice which had supported Mrs Macaulay in the latter stages of her illness.

At the start of the Midnight Walk, the beach was lit by a pathway of decorated lantern bags which paid tribute to those who had died. The beautiful sight of the bags lit up on the beach was the inspiration for holding our own candlelit walk at St Mark’s on our Friendship Path.

We decided for the proceeds of our evening candlelit walk on November 27th 2019 should go to the Macmillan charity which had subsequently given our Family Support Advisor care and advice following her own recent diagnosis of cancer. Over £560 was raised for this worthy cause.

The children, staff, parents and grandparents wrote the names of loved ones on the lantern bags who had either died from cancer or who had been diagnosed with this condition or who were in remission from cancer. Some families chose to put photographs of their loved ones on the lantern bags which shone brightly that evening.

A number of our Year 2 children and the school choir began the evening with songs of hope. There was a time for prayer and quiet reflection where members of our school, Church and Trust community joined together. The hall was full to the brim!

Feedback from Grandparents following the event:

‘Last night held a special meaning for us as we have received unfailing and amazing support from the Macmillan team in Bath.

The love and effort that you put into the children of St Mark’s is quite obvious and the difference we have seen in our grandchildren since joining your school is astonishing. Keep up the wonderful work!’