Charity
Sixth Form and staff support Sense
Rydal Penrhos recently collaborated with Sense, a charity that supports people with complex disabilities, to raise awareness of the benefits of upcycling clothes.
The event was held at Sense UK’s store on Mostyn Street in Llandudno. Deputy Head Girl Elodie Commissaris and Year 13 pupil Ellise Wallace, together with Year 2 form tutor Mrs Merrick, Prep TA Mrs Roberts, and Admissions and Marketing Manager Mrs McLean represented Rydal Penrhos at the event. They tried on various donated clothes to demonstrate how upcycled clothing can be fashionable and cool, while also promoting the charity's aim to encourage sustainability.
Simultaneously, Rob Lloyd (RS 1976-81), an alumnus of Rydal Penrhos, launched a campaign to collect 10,000 bags of much-needed clothing for the charity. The campaign began at Llandudno Pier, where Adam Williams, the owner of the pier, joined Rob in his fundraising efforts.
Rob Lloyd has been a staunch supporter of Sense, a charity that focuses on supporting people with complex disabilities by providing them with the necessary services, expertise, and equipment to lead fulfilling lives. The charity has been working tirelessly for over 60 years to improve the lives of individuals with sensory impairments, physical disabilities, and learning disabilities. The charity describes its stores as retail stores, rather than charity stores, in line with its aim to promote the upcycling of clothing as a sustainable alternative to newly manufactured clothes, which often involve huge environmental costs and questionable labour practices.
Rob Lloyd has been a staunch supporter of Sense, and he launched his 'Senseless Challenge' to raise funds for the charity. The challenge involved Rob completing a different fundraising feat each calendar month, from terrifying skydives to exhausting boot camps, horse racing, and marathons. Rob has even run a charity marathon in September 2021, which began and ended at Rydal Penrhos. He ran the first mile with pupils young and old before setting off along Colwyn Bay, up the Great Orme in Llandudno, before returning to Rydal Penrhos later in the afternoon. For the final part of his marathon, he was joined by pupils in Years 3-6 and was given a hero's reception by the school's staff upon completing another impressive feat.
The collaborative efforts of Rydal Penrhos and Sense align with the school's commitment to the public good and good citizenship. Rydal Penrhos is a registered charity, and it takes pride in its efforts to make a positive impact on its communities and the world. The school encourages its pupils to engage in charitable activities and become responsible global citizens who are aware of the challenges that face society.
Rydal Penrhos expresses its gratitude to Rob Lloyd, Sense, and all those involved in this event for their tireless efforts to support people with disabilities and promote sustainability. The school is proud to be associated with such a worthy cause and looks forward to future collaborations.
