Penalty shoot-outs, sponge throwing, lip-sync battles and creative costumes are just a few of the things All Hallows students got up to in their RAG Week – in support of charities Dementia UK and Mustard Seed Autism Trust.

RAG Week is a week of fundraisers organised by the head girl and head boy, supported by the other senior students.

Sixth formers dress up according to different themes each day and we put on events for the main school to raise as much money as we possibly can.

The students of All Hallows Catholic School hosted and took part in various activities from October 21 to 25, aiming to raise £4,500, smashing through last year’s total of more than £3,500.

Dementia UK are a nationwide charity that give support to families facing dementia through one to one support and expert guidance.

When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, the effects are felt by the entire family and can be overwhelming for everyone with so many difficult decisions to make.

Many of those affected feel socially isolated and alone, which can be a scary reality. Loneliness does not only disturb the patient but also their career.

Sixty-three per cent of carers – who are often family members who have had to resign from jobs to support their loved ones – say they had next to no support in their journey in supporting their family member at a time where they most needed someone to lean on.

But there is hope – and that is Dementia UK.

Dementia UK’s nurses give that much-needed practical and emotional support to families affected by dementia to create a relaxed, trusted environment.

Mustard Seed Autism Trust is a charity set up in 2011 by Francis Bland and Sarah Clements, who worked for 15 years providing support and care for children with special needs within their church.

Children on the autistic spectrum face daily trials that can submerge parents fighting to give their child the best life they deserve in a new sense of uncertainty as they are faced with something unknown to them.

This charity supports these children and families who want to understand and overcome these trials and live life like any other child, regardless of a condition that many think would hold them back.

Through tailored plans and therapy specific to the individual, accompanied by parental support courses, Mustard Seed empowers those affected by the diagnosis, always showing the light at the end of the tunnel.

So we return to our goal of raising £4,500 and invite readers to spare maybe just £1 today give someone a better tomorrow.

All donations go straight to the charities above and can be made on our JustGiving page titled “All Hallows RAG Week 2019”.

Take a look at the fun on our social media accounts and see all the exciting activities students took part in.

To donate to All Hallows’ RAG Week celebrations, please visit the website www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ragweek2019