Madness... but school is now £3,000 better off thanks to Cockfield fundraiser

A VILLAGE fundraiser organised by a Cockfield mother has raised more than £3,000 for her son’s special needs school.
Lisa Wood, along with her friend Joanne Taylor, braved a bath of baked beans for 12 hours as part of the Middle House Madness event which was held at the King’s Head Inn last August.
Ms Wood organised the event to raise money for The Oaks Secondary School, in Spennymoor, which caters for young people with special educational needs.
During recent years, Ms Wood has raised thousands of pounds for the school, which her 19-year-old son Matthew attends.
Matthew has severe complex needs and epilepsy.
His mum said: “It is was supposed to be held in July last year but it had to be cancelled because Matthew was very poorly in hospital. We held it in August.
“Me and Joanne spent 12 hours in a bath of baked beans outside the pub. That was nothing compared to what these children have to go through. When you go into the school and see them all it gives you a different outlook on life.”
The fundraising event also included a tombola, a speed raffle and a race night.
Last week, Ms Wood was joined by the landlord of the pub at the time, Andrew Pattison, to present a cheque for £3163.40 to children and staff from the school.
Teaching assistant Anita Langham said: “The money is going to go towards our sensory garden and for trips out to suitable places.
“We have end of term reward trips which cost an arm and a leg.
“We are very grateful for all of the donations we get. The money does go to the children and they get a lot of enrichment out of it,” she added.
“We would like to say a special thank you to Lisa because over the years she has raised thousands for us. We would also like to thank Andrew for holding the event at the King’s Head. We are very appreciative of the support. These children need extra and it all costs money. When it is given by local people it is lovely.”
This was Ms Wood’s last fundraiser for the school as Matthew is due to leave the sixth form this summer.
Ms Wood added: “The school holds a special place in my heart. I think it is disgraceful that the school has to fundraise for things they need inside. It is a pleasure to be part of it. When you go in and see what the money has bought for them it makes it all worthwhile.”