THE fight to save a Wirral special needs school has been given a financial boost thanks to the dedication and generosity of a former pupil.

Christopher Locke spent three years at the Lyndale School as a child when it was based at Clatterbridge.

He was an integral part of the Wirral Globe’s campaign to raise £80,000 for a sensory garden for the Eastham-based school back in 2003 when he organised the “Gig for the Garden” at the Mersey Clipper.

And since the school’s future was first threatened last December, he has worked tirelessly, organising fundraisers and festivals in aid of Lyndale.

On Thursday, his hard work was recognised when he handed over a cheque for £3,000 to the Friends of Lyndale School Association, money that will no doubt prove invaluable in the parents’ legal battle to save what they deem a second home to their children.

“It’s not just a school – it’s the parents, the families, the teachers, but also it makes up a big part of the local community,” said Chris, from Rock Ferry.

“It brings people together on social occasions, it’s not just about the school, it’s about the whole community which is in full support of the school and children.”

Made up of parents, staff and members of the community, The Friends of Lyndale School Association, was set up to help the school and campaign for it to remain open.

Chair of the group Dawn Hughes – who is also mum to 12-year-old Lyndale pupil Ellie – said: “We are so grateful to Chris and all the people that have got behind us and have supported us throughout all of this.

“Chris has been the driver of it all and he’s just amazing. It’s really hard sometimes but knowing the community behind us, it means a lot – you don’t realise how much it has buoyed us up and kept us going.”

Fundraising both in and outside of the school has also seen the Friends group secure a further £7,537.

“The money is going towards getting legal advice to fight the closure – it will be costly so we’re trying to raise as much as possible to be able to know we can carry it through to the end and finish the fight,” explained Dawn.

“It’s nearly a year now and everyone is tired, everyone is exhausted but we are not giving up hope.

“It’s our kids that keep us going, I look at Ellie when I feel scared about meetings – that’s what keeps me going.”

A further fundraising event has been organised by Chris at the Merebrook Hotel on December 29.

  • If you would like to donate to the Friends of Lyndale School Association, click here.