School celebrating after donation makes headteacher’s ‘dream’ a reality

A primary school is celebrating after as a housebuilder’s donation means a headteacher’s “dream” can come true.

Hartburn Primary School was awarded £3,000 by Persimmon Homes after applying for the housebuilder’s Community Champions scheme.

The donation means the school will be able to invest in its playground – a dream of former head teacher, Claire Park.

Beloved teacher, Mrs Park, was diagnosed with motor neuron disease earlier this year and has had an outpouring of support from the local community.

Now, with funds raised by Friends of Hartburn Primary School, her dream of renovating the playground to ‘Mrs Park’s Park’ is close to completion.

Mark Wheelan, Persimmon Teesside Managing Director, said: “It was a pleasure to visit Hartburn Primary School, meet Friends of Hartburn Primary School and hear about their fundraising efforts to create the new play area named after Mrs Park.

“We are proud to support them in their work to help create the space in Mrs Park’s name and we hope this donation will go far in supporting them.”

Jill Ellison, Friends of Hartburrn Primary School Chair said: “We’re so thankful to the wonderful Community Team at Persimmon for choosing to support Friends of Hartburn Primary School.

“Their generosity will make such a difference and help us bring our dream of Mrs Park’s Park at Hartburn School to life for all our children and families.”

Mayor of Stockton-on-Tees Stephen Richardson said: “A heartfelt thank you to Persimmon Homes for their incredible generosity in donating £3,000 towards creating a new play and social space within the school grounds.

“It was a pleasure to meet the team during their visit, and to hear more about the exciting vision for this project.

“I was so impressed by how much the Friends of Hartburn Primary School has already raised — and by their continued dedication to reaching the final fundraising goal.

“If any local businesses are able to get involved and support this fantastic initiative, please do get in touch with the Friends of Hartburn Primary School.”