Bedales takes Footsteps for FitzRoy

Bedales held a community day on 21 September to promote neuro-diversity and the work of the FitzRoy charity. Activities included talks about learning disabilities and autism, and mobilising the whole school to complete a sponsored walk. 400 students and 50 staff walked a combined 5,000+ kms on the day, and £12,300 has so far been raised for FitzRoy (donations gratefully received here – please click on a tutor group under the Leaderboard). 

The ‘Footsteps for FitzRoy’ fundraising walk formed the major element of this community day, named after one of the school’s founders, John Badley. It involved Bedales students walking a 13 km circuit in the area surrounding the school which is nestled in the South Downs National Park.  

There were talks on learning disabilities where FitzRoy staff informed students of their work supporting people with autism. They highlighted their Love4life initiative which gives people opportunities to make friends, socialise together and even find love. The day ended with an assembly from a parent who movingly described bringing up a child with severe mental and physical disabilities.  

Each term Bedales students come off timetable for a community day named after figures in the school’s history; they are designed to show what can be achieved from a collective effort and endeavour when the school comes together to support a cause. Significant funds have been raised for FitzRoy. In addition to achieving a physical challenge in walking 5,000+ kms in a day; students were able to foster teamwork, and also learn more about neuro-diversity. Previously, there has been support for local charities, work in the community, assisting local primary schools with landscaping projects, and also working to improve the Bedales School estate.  

Marianne Radcliffe, FitzRoy’s Director of Transformation commented: 

“We very much enjoyed working with Bedales students and staff in this 60th anniversary year of FitzRoy. ‘Footsteps for FitzRoy’ was an incredible challenge and Bedales’ fantastic fundraising efforts will help us support people with learning disabilities enabling them to live the lives that they choose. Thank you so much to the school community for your support.” 

Will Goldsmith, Head of Bedales, added:  

"We are very grateful to the FitzRoy staff and members who joined us for our Badley Day. Bedales students have previously volunteered with FitzRoy, so it was a wonderful opportunity to learn more about neuro-diversity and learning disabilities, as well as promoting the valuable work of this charity. Congratulations to our walkers who clocked up more than 5,000 kms on the day, and a big thank you to all the donors who supported our fundraising.”   

A short film of the day is available here.  

Footsteps for FitzRoy fundraising page | FitzRoy | Bedales Community Days