Hemel students organise Valentine's Day virtual balloon race to raise money for mental health charity

Students in Hemel Hempstead are organising a virtual balloon race to raise money for Hertfordshire Mind Network.

The team from Kings Langley School chose to raise money for the charity that supports people across Hertfordshire with their mental health.

The fundraising for Hertfordshire Mind Network is part of a charity challenge at the school's sixth form, where each class has to choose a charity to raise money for.

The other classes are raising money for Cancer Research UK, DENSand Two Oak Pony Sanctuary.

Between the forms they have already organised a Christmas hamper raffle, Teacher's song for Christmas and a food drive to raise money for the charities.

Vicki Battaglia, KS5 Pastoral and Information, Advice and Guidance Officer at Kings Langley School, said: "Due to lockdown, raising much needed funds for any charity at the moment is difficult and my students have had to really think outside the box.

"They are doing a virtual balloon race, which starts on Valentine's Day from Paris, and the race will last seven days.

"Participants can purchase a virtual balloon for £3, which they can modify once purchased, and once the race starts you can follow your balloon online to see how you get on in the race.

"The prizes in the virtual balloon race include £500 cash, Apple iPad and £10 book tokens.

"As Hertfordshire is running a wellbeing week next week, this event has come at a great time."

Hertfordshire Mind Network supports people across Hertfordshire with their mental health. They deliver essential mental health support in Hertfordshire, providing a diverse range of services from our seven Wellbeing Centres and other venues across all ten districts of the county.

They create opportunities for individuals experiencing mental ill health to make choices, find their solutions, build resilience and manage their whole life and wellbeing.

Caroline McGoohan, community fundraising manager at Hertfordshire Mind Network “We would like to say a huge thank you to the students at Kings Langley School for fundraising for us.

"Now more than ever our mental health services are needed to support children, young people and adults across Hertfordshire.

"As a local, independent charity every penny raised will go towards supporting local people with their mental health.”

For more about Hertfordshire Mind Network visit: www.hertfordshiremind.org.

The students have set a target of £500, to make a donation click here or if you would like to take part click here.