School smashes fundraising target in memory of teacher

Pupils, parents and staff at Battling Brook Community Primary School in Hinckley have raised more than £25,000 in memory of teacher Jade Gilbert.

Battling Brook embarked on a 80-hour fundraising effort from 9^th – 11^th April where pupils, parents, members of the community and staff at the school racked up miles to circumnavigate the globe to raise money for an outdoor gym. 

Jade Gilbert, died in the summer of 2024. 

The school wanted to organise something special to commemorate Miss Gilbert’s life, so the school combined two of her biggest passions – aside from teaching – travelling and going to the gym. The money raised will go towards an onsite, 30-piece outdoor gym – ‘Jade’s Gym’.

Having surpassed the fundraising target of £16,500, Battling Brook has organised for a contractor to fit the outdoor gym during the May half term.

The school partnered with Empire Gym in Hinckley, who welcomed staff and people across the area to the gym in extended opening hours to help the Gilbert’s Globetrotters meet their target of over 25,000 miles.

In the evening of Thursday 10^th April, pupils and parents took to Richmond Park in Hinckley for a group bike ride.

Dr Luke Evans, Member of Parliament for Hinckley and Bosworth, was asked by the school to fire the starting gun for the bike ride.

Dr Luke Evans, Member of Parliament for Hinckley and Bosworth, said “It was a real pleasure to be asked by Battling Brook Primary School to start the big Gilbert’s Globetrotters bike ride around Richmond Park in memory of Miss Gilbert, a dearly missed member of the team. Seeing the community come together through sport, getting fit and making a difference is really inspiring. From cycling over 25,000 miles to now having a 30-piece outdoor gym, this is a lasting legacy of fitness that will do Hinckley proud, all in memory of Jade."

In a message to everyone who supported their efforts, Gilbert's Globetrotters said “As we all settle in to what an incredible achievement we have made, our thoughts turn once again to Jade. It is important to take a moment for her family and her gym community, who have been working tirelessly in the background too. A huge, special thank you goes to every single person at Empire Fitness for their dedication in their mileage, staff working extended hours, donating to this amazing legacy and for Jade's family for their passion, time and support in helping us build this in memory of Jade."