Full Circle Moment for St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School as they begin their journey to become a Simon Says Champion School.
St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School in Southampton holds a very special place in the heart of Simon Says. Our founder, Sally Stanley, was inspired to start the charity following the death of her husband, Simon, who was a much-loved member of staff at the school. During his illness, the St Patrick’s school community rallied around the family with incredible kindness and support.
After Simon sadly died, Sally decided to use the funds raised by the school community to start a charity to support bereaved children and young people as, at that time, there was no such support available for families in Hampshire.
Last week marked a poignant full circle moment as St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School began its journey to become a Simon Says Champion School, a new initiative launched by the charity last year to help schools build bereavement-friendly communities. We were delighted to spend a fantastic morning with the staff, leading training on how best to support bereaved pupils within the school environment. St Patrick’s were presented with Bereavement Starter Kit which was sponsored by local company the Dodd Group.
Sally Stanley writes: “As the founder of Simon Says, I would like to acknowledge the pivotal role the St Patrick’s school community played in the charity’s beginnings. The funds raised in the spring of 2000, equivalent to £32,000 today, provided the foundation for establishing Simon Says, which has since supported thousands of bereaved children and young people across Hampshire.
It is especially meaningful to see St Patrick’s now taking steps to become a Simon Says Champion School, continuing a legacy of compassion, understanding and support for children and young people that began here more than 25 years ago.”
This special milestone has been made possible thanks to the generous support of the local Southampton branch of the Dodd Group, whose team fundraised during August’s Tough Muddier Challenge in Badminton. Their sterling efforts will enable 14 new schools to join the Champion Programme and to receive a Bereavement Starter Kit for their setting.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Dodd Group for their amazing donation and continued support in helping us ensure no child grieves alone.
*Pictured is the Bereavement Starter Kit, Matt & Will from the Dodd Group presenting a cheque from their fundraising and founder Sally Stanley and her son Tom (a Simon Says Trustee) at St Patrick’s.
Great to see you back at St Patrick’s Sally. My son was in Simon’s class when he became ill all those years ago. My son absolutely adored him and often talks about him now, even though he’s the grand old age of 34! Simon left a lifelong impression on him for all the right reasons. He will never be forgotten. Every time I see Simon Says doing their amazing work I feel thankful to you for having the generosity to turn what was such a massive loss for you and your boys, into such a positive project helping and supporting thousands of children who are bearing the loss of a parent. Thank you.