Hi, my name is Caitlin McPartlan; I’m in year 9 and my mum has a neurological condition called Chiari Malformation…

After campaigning to do a fundraiser for nearly a year, finally, it had happened! Marden did a non-uniform day to raise money for the Ann Conroy Trust.

To do this I had to first, go through the people on the school cabinet and explain to them what the Ann Conroy Trust is and how it helps people with Chiari. When I had convinced the Cabinet to support me, the hardest part still wasn’t over. I had to convince the rest of the school to help too. This meant talking in assembly to years 7 & 8 then 9 & 10 and then year 11. This was really hard because public speaking isn’t what I’m best at. I hate speaking in front of people but I knew if I didn’t do it one of the teachers would speak and not do the charity justice.

I had to speak to the year 7 & 8s to try to convince them to support my charity instead of the Year 11 Prom and whatever the Year 10s were doing. However, this was way easier than talking to my year and the older years. I found that difficult because as I said, I’m not very confident in public speaking.

Despite the difficulties faced, we managed to raise £415.57! I am very happy to be able to help a charity that has helped us so much since mum (Gill Crann) was diagnosed in 2010.

Thank you so much for the support in doing this,
Caitlin McPartlan