This weekend, members of the Lincoln Anglican Academy Trust (LAAT) team, led by CEO Jackie Waters-Dewhurst, completed a marathon 26-mile walk around Rutland Water to raise vital funds for the Love As Action – Together Fund. The challenge was a powerful demonstration of the Trust’s ongoing commitment to supporting families in the community, particularly those experiencing financial hardship.
The Love As Action – Together Fund was originally launched as part of LAAT’s tenth anniversary celebrations, with a focus on removing barriers caused by poverty and ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive at school. The fund helps children access the full life of school and the curriculum by providing essentials like uniforms, PE kits, winter coats, and learning resources. It also supports families with practical household needs, ranging from fuel cards and food vouchers to electric heaters and bedding, helping to keep children warm, well-fed, and rested, so they can arrive at school ready to learn and fully take part in the school day.
The fund was initially established with just over £16,000, the majority of which was raised during a major campaign in June 2023. This included LAAT’s Three Peaks Challenge and a network-wide “10 Miles in 10 Days” initiative across its schools. As of now, all of those initial funds have been distributed to families in need. Thanks to the recent Rutland Water walk, an additional £2,500 has been raised to continue this vital work.
In total, 63 requests for support have been received and fulfilled across LAAT schools.
Every request is submitted through a simple form, reviewed and approved by all three members of the fund’s panel within 48 hours, with funds typically released within a further week. This swift process ensures that families receive the help they need quickly and with dignity.
Jackie Waters-Dewhurst commented, “We know that many families are struggling due to the rising cost of living, and some of these pressures are felt directly in the school environment. Through the Love As Action – Together Fund, we aim to remove those barriers, making sure every child has the opportunity to enjoy school and thrive academically.”
The Rutland walk not only raised funds but reaffirmed the Trust’s deep commitment to its communities. As LAAT continues its mission to promote equity and inclusivity across all of its schools, the Love As Action – Together Fund remains a cornerstone of its support for pupils and families.
