Challenge will raise cash for Jonny’s appeal

Apr 22 2008 by Ben Guy, The Journal

SCHOOLS from across the North East are being asked to get involved with a recycling challenge to raise funds for a charity launched in memory of an inspirational Northumberland man.

Jonny Kennedy North East is the charity set up as a legacy to the man whose battle with the Epidermoysis Bullosa condition was made famous by the television documentary The Boy Whose Skin Fell Off.

Now the charity is looking to involve as many pupils from the region aged 11 and under in teams of 20 for an event that will challenge them as well as raise money for the cause.

Pupils are being asked to collect as many recyclable items (such as boxes, tins, paper, plastic and milk bottles) as possible before the day of the challenge. On the day itself all the schools taking part will receive an email, challenging them to turn their material into a secret object. The school that a judging panel deems to have built the best object wins the challenge.

Edna Kennedy, Jonny’s mother, said: “It will be special because Jonny got on so well with children – he would have loved the idea.

“He was also quite interested in art, and there will be an element of that to the challenge. It is amazing how innovative children can be – I am sure they will come up with fantastic ideas.”

The closing date for entries is May 23 and the entry fee is £50 per team of 16 pupils and up to four adults. Prizes include a trophy and a disco event for the winning school, and tickets for the winning 20 members of the team to a Newcastle Eagles basketball match at the Newcastle Arena.

To enter a team send the school name, address, contact details and cheque made payable to Jonny Kennedy North East to 20 Lynton Avenue, Jarrow, Tyne & Wear, NE32 3SA.

Or for more information email jordy@jukmediaservices.com