On the afternoon of Friday 19 March, the family of Notley High School student Harry Robinson, proudly presented a cheque to the Witham and Rivenhall Air Training Corps (ATC), as a contribution towards the purchase of a new minibus for the cadets.

 

Harry sadly died on 7 January 2010 and was a keen and active member of the squadron who had already done much to fundraise for the minibus.  He had personally raised £2,000 by packing bags at Morrison’s and Tesco’s in Witham.  As a mark of respect for Harry and in his memory, students at Notley High School and Braintree Sixth Form held a non-uniform day which raised £1,423.92 for the ATCs ‘H bus’ as it is called.  This took place on Tuesday 16 March – a poignant day as it would have been Harry’s 14th birthday, a date also shared by his younger brother who was 12.  Harry’s brother and sister, Charlie and Rhianna, as well as close family friend James Hardy, presented Squadron Leader Mat Moakes with the cheque, dressed as Batwoman, Robin and Batman.  (They did this as Harry had always wanted to come to a non-uniform day dressed as Batman).

Mat Moakes said that it was a fantastic amount to contribute towards the H Bus, which is costing £20,000.  Another £13,000 is still needed and the ATC is currently bidding for two community funding schemes, which it is hoped will bring in £10,000.  A ‘Just Giving’ website is planned to be set up as well.  Other schemes to raise funds are more bag packing in supermarkets, with wristbands and daffodil bulbs (for next year) to be sold at Notley High School.  He also thanked ‘brilliant’ students and staff for their generosity in helping them achieve their goal.

Amanda Keable, Harry’s mother, said that “The school has been absolutely brilliant in supporting the family.  My personal thanks go to Gillian Marshall, Jane Shipton and Sue Moss.  The children’s tutors have also been very supportive.”  She also said that Harry’s funeral fund at the Co-operative Funeral Directors in Witham stands at £2,600.  It is hoped that further donations will still be received and the final total will be sent to the ATC for the H bus.  Rhianna and Charlie said they thanked all their friends for their help and understanding over the past weeks.

Notley High School is creating a lavender garden in memory of Harry – this was his favourite plant.

For more information about what the ATC can offer young people contact:

Witham Air Cadets :: www.witham-aircadets.org.uk and 07917048580
Braintree Air Cadets :: www.braintree-aircadets.org.uk and 01376 331636