The Inspiration Behind The Greggfest
In 2024, our Receptionist Lisa Edwards received a breast cancer diagnosis. Throughout her treatment, she was overwhelmed by the kindness, care and support shown by family, friends, charities and the NHS. Determined to give something back, Lisa had an idea: to bring people together for a day of fun, community spirit and fundraising for local causes close to her heart.
That idea became GreggFest, a celebration that raised an incredible £7,000, with £1,000 donated to each of six deserving charities.
In her own words, Lisa shares the deeply personal journey behind GreggFest, the challenges she faced, and the gratitude that inspired this very special event
Dear Reader,
I would like to be open and share my cancer diagnosis with you all and to give you some context behind the idea of The GreggFest.
In June 2024, I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. To initially hear the word "cancer" when it is directed at you is somewhat devastating to say the least. Being open with you, my first initial thought was my time is up, my second was I may never get to see my daughter grow up, which is something I couldn't bare to think about. Not to be deterred, I put my "Bridget Jones big pants" on and tackled it head on! I was determined it wasn't going to beat me....
Cancer doesn't pick or chose, it's not selective. I've always been open about having cancer, however I do fully appreciate that not everyone would adopt the same thought process as me. Personally, I feel the tough times make you stronger. To get through it, you have to be real about it and not act like it doesn't exist. Sadly 1 in 2 people will be diagnosed with cancer.
Cancer isn't necessary the scary world it used to be, because early detection is there. I would really like to highlight the importance of early detection, routine screening and check-ups - it saved my life!
After my radio therapy treatment in October 2024, and hearing those wonderful words " you are in the clear", it got me thinking about an idea. The love and support from my wonderful family and friends during this difficult time, touched and humbled me. I would love to put on a charity event, that would essentially celebrate life, bring people together and raise an incredible amount of money for Charity! I knew the perfect venue to host such an event - The Gregg School. I also knew that Sheri (our Head) and ALL the staff at The Gregg where the right people to get behind it too.
I was keen to focus on local charities where they would feel part of the day and I wanted the money that we raised from The GreggFest to be shared amongst these deserving organisations. Our charities that we proudly supported on the day were; From Me To You - a cancer charity that connects with people facing difficult times through the power of letter writing, JCSR Foundation - established in memory of a former Gregg student who battled with leukemia, but sadly passed away to sepsis, Sophie's legacy , Naomi House & Jacks place , Southampton Hospital Schools , St Francis Animal Welfare , Board in The City.
I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to our generous sponsors for supporting The GreggFest; MAB Financial Services in Portsmouth, Village Garage in Bishops Waltham, In a Jam - 24/7 Home Repairs, HWB Accountants, Blake Morgan Solicitors and, Hayes Parsons Insurance Brokers. Their support was instrumental in helping to bring the GreggFest to life.
I would really like to close with a heart felt thank you to The Gregg School - Sheri, ALL the Gregg staff from teachers, support staff, site & facilities maintenance, our students and some of Gregg parents, who were incredible with giving up their own time and commitment to help being my vision together - The GreggFest Charity Event.
That just leaves me to proudly announce, The GreggFest raised £7000, which will be shared amongst our chosen 7 charities. This is an incredible sum of money raised! I would just like to add that the school has never put on an event to this scale before, so we all should be proud of what we achieved.
I'm truly grateful and blessed to be working in such a fantastic school community.
Thank you so much.
Lisa
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