By Isle of Wight Observer
Schools and businesses across the Island have today shown their support for a very special cause. Keep an eye on the IW Observer Facebook page, as we will be posting the pictures we receive of ‘Wear What Makes You Happy Day’.
The Wear What Makes You Happy Day has seen more than 80 schools, pre-schools and businesses leave behind their uniforms and don clothing that brought a smile to their face to support the fundraising appeal for Arlo Lambie to access the medical care and support he needs.
Since being diagnosed with Grade 4 brain cancer, Cowes teenager Arlo has had fantastic care from the NHS but the treatment he needs now can’t be accessed in the UK and he is having to travel to Paris for specialist care.
A family friend Taylor Willows came up with the idea of a fundraiser MUFTI day with no specific theme, to allow the young people of the Island the chance to show their support and Arlo suggested the theme wear what makes you happy.
Gail Willows, family friend and event organiser said: “When my son and I first started planning this initiative, we hoped that a few schools would join in.
“However, I am truly overwhelmed by the support we’ve received from the community here on the island.
“From the children inspired by Arlo’s story to the parents who have helped coordinate everything, and the headteachers sending their well wishes, the response has been incredible. We are proud to now have more than 80 schools and businesses
involved.”
In response to this incredible community support, Arlo said: “I love the Island, it is a very special place, and I love the sense of community here, but I’m amazed at the support that we’ve received and I’m so very grateful. It was important for me from the
start that whatever this journey involves, we make space for the happiness, fun and laughter.
“It’s not always easy, but I can’t think of a day yet that hasn’t included something to smile at and I hope that Wear What Makes You Happy Day brings a lot of smiles to everyone involved.”
Schools, pre-schools, organisations and businesses signed up include:
Arreton St. George’s Primary, Barton Primary, Bembridge Church of England Primary, Brading Primary, Brighstone CE Primary and pre-school, Broadlea Primary, Burlesque Chair Dance IW, Cherry Blossom Residential Home, Cherry Godfrey Finance, Insurance and Mortgages, Cherry Trees Residential Home, Childcare Emergency Dept, St Mary’s Hospital, Chollie Childcare, Clever Clogs Pre School, Cowes Primary, Datum Electronics, Dover Park Primary, Education First Language School, Everycare Business, Forest Edge School, Furzehill Childcare Centre, Gatten and Lake Primary, GKN (cake sales), Godshill Primary, Greenmount Primary, Gurnard Parent and Toddlers, Gurnard Pre School, Gurnard Primary, Haylands
Primary and Haylands Pre School, Holy Cross Catholic Primary, Hunnyhill Primary, Inglefield Nursing Home, IW Sixth Form, Jeni Law Speech &Drama, Lanesend Primary, Little Explorers Pre School (part of Shalfleet CE Primary), Little Love Lane Preschool, Little Stars Preschool of Freshwater & Yarmouth Primary School, Llama Drama, MDL Studio, Medina College, Medina House School, Morrisons (Wearing their PJs to work), Nettlestone Primary, Newchurch Primary, Newport CE Primary, Nine Acres Primary, Northwood Primary, Priory School, Queensgate Foundation Primary, Riverside Centre, Ryde Academy, Ryde School and Upper Chine Senior and Junior Schools, Shalfleet Primary School, Smoking Lobster (Raffle), Southern Vectis (Drivers Wearing What They Want), Springfield Nursing Home, St Blasius Shanklin CE Primary Academy, St Catherine’s, St Francis Catholic and CE Academy, St George’s School, St Helens Primary, St Mary’s Primary, St Saviour’s Primary, St Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Primary, Starlight Academy, Summerfield Primary, The Vine Inn St Helens (Jar on the Bar), Theatre Train, Wootton Primary, Windmills Preschool, Wroxall Primary, Wonder House Early Learning Centre, YMCA St Mary’s Nursery, Yarmouth Primary, Chartwells school food providers.
