On Saturday 21 June, Queen Anne's marked the renaming of the swimming pool in honour of Mr Gary Blunt, our much-loved Michell Houseparent, who sadly passed away last summer after a courageous battle with cancer.
Family, colleagues, parents, students, and alumni gathered to hear heartfelt tributes from Ms Purves and Gary’s daughter, Camille who attended Queen Anne's. They spoke movingly about the many ways Gary shaped students’ lives through his dedication to the swimming programme, the Duke of Edinburgh's Award and boarding.
Mrs Blunt has also dedicated a new bench in Gary’s memory, which will be placed near the pool, a spot for the community to enjoy future lacrosse and sports matches. We’re grateful to the parents and staff who have already donated towards two additional benches that will be positioned along the path from the pool to the sports centre. If you would like to contribute, please use this link to donate.
Following the renaming ceremony, a group of family friends, staff, students, and alumni took part in a sponsored swim to raise money for the Royal Marsden Hospital Charity - swimming over five miles collectively in just one hour. A huge well done to Charlie, Molly, Miss Rutherford, Michelle, Mia, and our youngest swimmer, Leo Stephenson (8 months old!), who completed four lengths on his float!
There’s still time for parents and students to support this fundraising effort by sponsoring the swimmers retrospectively. The Royal Marsden Hospital Charity is a remarkable organisation that supported Gary, Heidi, Sophie, Evie, and Camille during incredibly difficult times.
If you’d like to help us reach our ambitious target of £5,000, please donate via this link.
#QASKindHearts #QASSport
.jpg&command_2=resize&height_2=85 "Supporting Queen Anne's Students through Quarantine")
