Fifty seven schools from Shropshire, Cheshire, Mid and North Wales took part in the 2009/10 Raise the Roof Schools Competition to colour and build cardboard house-shaped collecting boxes for the charity.

After judging at individual schools, the boxes were taken home and filled with coins before being passed back to Hope House and Ty Gobaith for the Grand Final. Between them the pupils raised a fabulous £9,120.47.

The over all winner Lily Burt from Year 2 at Ysgol Estyn in Wrexham – will have her design printed by the hospices and sent out to all their supporters to raise even more money.

As the level of competition was so high this academic year we also had 3 special awards for runners up across Wrexham and Cheshire who will all receive certificates and trophies. These are:

Rachel Jones, Fundraiser for Hope House, said: “We have been thrilled by the response to our Raise the Roof Competition this year. Some of the designs were absolutely fabulous and I am very glad that I was not responsible for the judging! In addition the schools have helped to raise a huge sum of money for us to help us continue our vital services. We are very grateful to everyone who has taken part and are looking forward to seeing Lily’s design in print!”

The 2010/11 Raise the Roof Competition will start in September and many schools are already signing up to take part.

The initiative includes an assembly for each school, cardboard box templates to build and colour, colourful leaflets to take home and lesson plans for teachers.

To sign up for your pack please contact the Fundraising office on 01691 671 671 or email fundraising@hopehouse.org.uk