Sunderland schoolboy raises over £1,000 to support our Armed Forces veterans after holding a Tommy tea party
A 13-year-old Sunderland sea cadet with a passion for the Armed Forces has raised over £2,000 to support veterans.
Francis Gordon, a Year 9 pupil at Christ’s College, successfully organised a Tommy tea party raising an impressive £1,010 for the Royal British Legion.
He also raised a further £1,000 by completing a 5km sponsored run and during the pandemic he took part in the Legion’s ‘Mile a Day’ initiative.
Francis said: “I wanted to do something for the Royal British Legion who look after veterans, so I signed up to the Mile-a-Day project in 2019. I even did it during Covid when I was in isolation and just used my back garden.
“I organised the Tommy tea party at the Gunner’s Club and managed to get donations of food from catering companies. Tesco’s also donated raffle prizes and I was really pleased with how people supported me.”
Francis’s mother, Samantha, added: “We were thrilled that local author Terry Deary kindly donated a signed copy of one of his Horrible Histories books for the raffle, as well as one for Francis to keep for himself for all his hard work.
“Author Michael Morpurgo also donated a signed copy of War Horse.
“On the day, raffle tickets were sold, games of bingo played and quizzes enjoyed. This charity is so close to Francis’ heart and we are extremely proud of him.”
Francis developed an interest in the Armed Forces at the age of five after listening to stories from his relatives, including his uncles and great grandfather who served in the navy and army.
He recently met a 98-year-old World War II veteran and even named his German Shepherd dog Winston, after the wartime prime minister.
Francis said: “I joined the sea cadets last year and have already been on HMS Northumberland. I would love to join the forces and see the world as I work my way up the ranks.”
Francis also supports Armistice Day every year and has built up a collection of service memorabilia including medals, cap badges, caps, uniforms.
He has been awarded medals by the British Royal Legion for his fundraising exploits to support Armed Forces veterans. Christ’s College principal Julie Normanton said: “Francis has done all this great work in his own time outside school but he is a fabulous example of the character we aim to nurture in all of our students.
“We are all very proud of him.”