The Circle Trust Raises Over £8,500 for Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service

Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service is celebrating the incredible efforts of The Circle Trust after staff and students across its schools raised an outstanding £8,531.80 during their Spring Term 2026 fundraising campaign.

The partnership began at St Crispin’s School, where long-standing invigilator and Alexander Devine Volunteer, Graham Chamberlain, shared his passion for the hospice and his own fundraising experiences with colleagues. What started as conversations around supporting local collections soon evolved into a Trust-wide commitment to championing the hospice and the families it supports.

Following a visit to the hospice, Railton Blyth, Director of Safeguarding at The Circle Trust, was deeply moved by the experiences of children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions and the challenges faced by their families.

Speaking about the partnership, Railton said “After having an insightful tour of the hospice, I realised how much more there was to life than education. Young people who had been born into such adversity, families struggling to manage day-to-day caring responsibilities whilst managing their own grief, and the challenges that this brings.

Just as hard hitting was the need for wider community support, with the hospice relying almost entirely on fundraising and the goodwill of others so that specialised palliative care, respite, and support for children and their families could be provided, whilst above all creating an environment where beautiful memories could be made that will last forever.”

Inspired to make a difference, Railton and students at St Crispin’s began discussing how they could support the hospice and quickly realised the impact could extend far beyond one school.

As Director of Safeguarding for The Circle Trust, Railton oversees 11 schools across the Trust, creating an opportunity to engage entire school communities in supporting Alexander Devine.

Community Fundraisers Hannah and Debbie visited schools across the Trust to share the story of the hospice, its values and mission, and the legacy of Alexander Devine himself. Students and staff subsequently voted to make Alexander Devine their chosen charity partner for 2026 and beyond, establishing a long-term relationship focused on fundraising, awareness and advocacy.

During the Spring Term, schools across the Trust took part in the Big Spring Knit Challenge alongside non-school uniform days and other fundraising initiatives, collectively raising an incredible £8,531.80.

Railton added “It is so important that all children are aware of the wider community around them, understanding of those that face such challenges and becoming positive stewards of the future in ensuring this message is never silenced. If our support makes a difference to one child’s life, we know we will have made a difference.”

Debbie Spong, Community Fundraiser at Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service said “We are incredibly grateful to everyone across The Circle Trust for their compassion, enthusiasm and dedication. The support shown not just from Railton, but by all staff and students has been truly inspiring, and the funds raised will help us continue providing vital specialist care and support to children and families who need us most. Partnerships like this not only raise essential funds but also helps build awareness and understanding within future generations. We are so proud to be working alongside The Circle Trust and look forward to growing this partnership in the years ahead.”

The remarkable total now sets the benchmark for future fundraising efforts across the Trust, with plans already underway to build on this success through new events and initiatives in the coming years.