Students and staff at The Wilnecote School have raised over £1,000 for Parkinson’s UK by creating and selling colourful handmade geckos. Organised by staff member Megan Keogh following her 2024 diagnosis, the ongoing campaign combines creative fundraising with a monthly support café hosted in the school library.

Walk through the library on any given afternoon, and you will spot a bright splash of colour perched beside the books. These small, student-made geckos, originally designed alongside Fran in the craft room, have become an unexpected symbol of what makes our school family so special.

The initiative began during awareness assemblies in June, where staff member Megan Keogh shared her personal journey following her diagnosis in 2024. What started with a charity walk quickly gained momentum across the entire school. Thanks to dedicated student volunteers and staff, gecko sales took off in the library and across reception desks, catching the attention of visitors who popped in specifically to pick one up.

A thank-you card from the Parkinson’s UK chief executive arrived once donations hit £600, but our young fundraisers did not stop there. On Thursday 5th October, the total officially broke the £1,000 mark.

To celebrate, Aaron Coleman, Central Midlands Community Fundraiser for Parkinson’s UK, visited to present special commendations to student champions: Lara-Grace G.H., Mollie W., Mia J., Leah R., Rosie E., Jack P., Ciara C., Bella H., Noah F., Erin S., and Phoebe J.

“On behalf of Parkinson’s UK, we are absolutely thrilled and delighted to have Wilnecote’s support,” said Aaron Coleman. “This just shows the true meaning of fundraising and what an impact it can have when everyone gets involved.”

For Megan, the overwhelming support represents far more than a fundraising tally.

“When I was diagnosed in 2024, opening up felt daunting, but the warmth and empathy shown by our pupils and colleagues has been breathtaking,” said Megan Keogh. “Seeing young people put so much care into making each gecko, and watching our school family rally around this cause, means the world to me.”

The story is travelling further this month, with Aaron showcasing our students’ handmade creations at the Parkinson’s UK stand during the national ParCon conference at the VOX, Resorts World.

Back at school, the door remains open. On the first Wednesday of every month from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm, Megan hosts a free, informal support meetup in the school library. Anyone connected to or affected by Parkinson’s is warmly invited to drop in for a hot drink, a biscuit, and a friendly chat.