insideKENT Magazine Issue 72 - March 2018 | Page 124

EDUCATION Ronnie Philpott ‘WHISKERS FOR RONNIE’ RAISES OVER £600 FOR MOTOR NEURON DISEASE ASSOCIATION STAFF AND PUPILS AT DOVER COLLEGE WERE SET A CHALLENGE BY THEIR HEADMASTER TO GROW BEARDS IN JANUARY TO RAISE OVER £500 FOR THE COLLEGE’S CHARITY, THE MOTOR NEURON DISEASE ASSOCIATION (MNDA). Devastated by the loss of Ronnie Philpott, former Dover Mayor and the college’s independent listener, pupils and staff have set about finding ways in which the college can raise £10,000 for the charity this year. of Dover College, speaking of his pride in his pupils and colleagues. “It’s been good fun, although it has turned out that some pupils are far more successful at growing beards than some staff!” Eight members of staff and seven pupils took part in the first challenge of 2018, and by the end of the month had raised over £600 for the charity. In February, pupils and staff took part in a ‘100 miles challenge’, and are charged with walking, running or jogging 100 miles in a month – or just over 5.5km a day. Ronnie passed away in May 2017 after bravely fighting her illness. “January can be a dull month, so it seemed a good time for baby-faced, clean-shaven men to publicly demonstrate their support for the charity and determination to raise money,” said Gareth Doodes, headmaster 124 “Ronnie was an inspiration to us all and helped to cement the link between the college and the town,” Gareth added. “We think she would have enjoyed the spectacle of this, and if it means we have managed to keep her memory alive, then it’s worth the itching and the daily look of horror from my wife. February’s challenge ensured all pupils and staff at Dover College - from the youngest to the oldest - can do their bit, and doing our bit is something we will continue to do throughout the year.” Dover College Whole School Open Morning: Saturday 24th March 2018 Families are welcome to join the Whole School Open Morning, which offers an opportunity to speak to teaching staff, parents and pupils about all aspects of life at Dover College, including life in our Junior and Senior schools; scholarships and bursaries; boarding options; facilities and pastoral care; and plans for the future of Dover College. Alternatively, to book a visit or taster day, or to request an information pack about Dover College, please call admissions by telephoning 01304 244522, or emailing [email protected]. Think differently, think Dover College. www.dovercollege.org.uk DoverCollege DoverCollege DoverCollegeHM