Every year each of the Houses raises money for a charity of their choice. Last year Fairwater established the Fairwater Charity Walk as an annual tradition; a fun and healthy way to raise money for charity that allows the boys to get out and enjoy the British countryside.

As many may already be aware, tragically over the summer break last year, the house lost a key member of the Fairwater family. Mx Jay Wood was a Classics teacher, Year 11 tutor, and friend to everyone around the school. After they passed away, Fairwater looked for a way to commemorate Jay in a meaningful and special way and it felt only right to do the annual walk in honour of them. As a result, this year’s walk was dubbed the ‘Jaywalk’; which the house felt encapsulated the kind-hearted and good-humoured spirit of Jay. 

The day started with a short ceremony, where the house dedicated a memorial plaque and tree to Mx Wood. The location of the tree is especially meaningful, as it overlooks both Fairwater House and the beauty of the front of the school; allowing the memory of Jay to live on.

The memorial plaque dedicated to Jay Wood had a line from one of their favourite poems ‘Ave atque vale’ meaning ‘Hail and Farewell’. The boys then got onto the bus to the start of the walk in the Blackdown Hills, along the Herepath. Impressively, the 18km walk only took the boys four hours and ended at Ms Walter’s house. They then enjoyed a BBQ – expertly prepared and cooked by Mr Tarr, Mr Brodie, Mr Lee and Mr Dougan – and, of course, a game of football followed.

The aim was for the boys to raise £25 each, which would then be donated to a charity in line with Mx Wood’s values and legacy. As a House, they decided to pick a smaller local charity where they felt the donations would have more of an impact. To this end, the boys managed to raise £750 for Mind in Somerset. This charity is aimed at supporting anyone living with or affected by mental health difficulties – something Mx Wood was passionate about helping others with.

The house plan on continuing this event each year in memory of Mx Jay Wood and everything that they are and were.  

Gus H – “The Jaywalk is a brilliant way to raise money for charity and remember someone who was so special to the Fairwater community.”  

Rufus H – “Mx Wood was the kindest, most loving and generous person, I’m glad that we can remember them and dedicate something so important to them.”