A FUN lockdown fundraiser dreamed up by two pupils at Ballard School in New Milton has raised almost ten times the fundraising target amount for Marwell Zoo.

The animal fancy dress day was led by Year 5 pupils Lily and Mia, who are both passionate about animal welfare. They invited fellow pupils – and their teachers - to make a donation and don their favourite animal pyjamas or costumes for a day.

Children across the Lower Prep School spent a day doing their lessons wearing their favourite animal-themed outfits, onesies or pyjamas.

Donations topped £1000, ensuring Head of Lower Prep Simon Ridley, had to go through with his promise to dress up like a penguin on the first day back for the whole school if they beat their original target of £150.

The girls’ fundraising efforts were so successful that they were awarded a ‘Fundraising Legend’ award from JustGiving, as one of the most successful fundraising pages on the site that month.

Their donation also impressed Marwell’s Chief Executive James Cretney, who created a personalised video thank you message from him and all the animals that will benefit from the cash boost while the zoo is closed.

Mr Ridley told the Daily Echo: “Well done to Mia and Lily for following through on a wonderful idea and for organising a very successful event.

“They’ve done us all proud – and it was my pleasure to dress up as a penguin in recognition of the brilliant job they did!”

Andrew McCleave, Headmaster at Ballard School, added: “We’re so proud of Mia and Lily and all our inspirational pupils.

"It is fantastic to see them so engaged with the world around them and working to make a difference for causes they are passionate about at such a young age.”

  • If your school has something to shout about, email lorelei.reddin@dailyecho.co.uk