Portsmouth High School kicks off charity week in style

Portsmouth High School has held the fundraising week for more than 25 years, and this year was collecting donations for breast cancer foundation The Haven.

Grace Waring, 14, dressed up as Pirates of the Caribbean’s Captain Jack Sparrow.

She said: ‘I think charity week is great as you get 
to have lots of fun while helping a different charity each year.’

Rebecca Noble, 13, celebrated her first charity week at the school by dressing as a stick of candy floss.

She said: ‘I love the way the girls and staff get involved and I have really enjoyed supporting such a worthy cause.’

Chloe Wildsmith, 15, dressed up as a member of the Kardashian family.

She said: ‘It’s great to be able to support The Haven in such a fun way.

‘We all look forward to charity week for the chance to dress up.’

The Haven offers support to thousands of breast cancer patients at centres around the UK, including one in Titchfield.

Other popular activities which have been organised by students include a talent show and the school’s own edition of Would I Lie To You?

Head girl Genevieve Wilks said: ‘The Haven has helped so many people overcome the struggles of cancer so it’s crucial we support such a cause.

‘It is a non-government funded charity so it needs all our help to keep its fantastic cause alive.’

The 17-year-old said the highlight of the week is the fashion shows on Thursday and Friday evenings.

She added: ‘We’ve got such an array of talent in the school and it’s a great opportunity for girls to be performing in front of their peers at the same time as raising awareness and much needed funds for The Haven.’

John Paget-Tomlinson, head of sixth form at the school, expressed his delight at the number of pupils that are ‘equipped with leadership skills’.

He said: ‘Over the past academic year, the girls have been extremely proactive in coming up with various organisations that they wish to support.

‘Their own personalities, experiences and passions ensure that a diverse range of charities are chosen.

‘We have worked hard to ensure that pupils broaden their understanding of charity by focusing more on the term ‘social responsibility’ and developing the awareness that every single person in the school community can make a positive impact, locally, nationally or internationally.’