Pupils have sent a special message to members of the rail industry after they raised almost £12,000 for their school which will help to build an outdoor classroom.
Students from Royal School for the Deaf Derby have recorded a special video for the companies who attended Mainspring’s ‘Dinner at the Roundhouse’ annual event.
The gathering is a chance for the biggest names in the rail industry to get together and celebrate the last 12 months, forge new connections and look forward to the future.
And the businesses who attended, which included CoMech Metrology, Rail Forum, Arriva TrainCare and Wabtec, raised £11,970 for the school.
The money will be used to build a classroom in the grounds of the school in Ashbourne Road which will allow outdoor learning in any weather and be designed for the needs of deaf children.
Pupils have been told about the generosity and have recorded a special thank you video in British Sign Language.
Head teacher Paul Burrows, who gave a presentation at the event, said: “I am overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone who attended the Mainspring Dinner. The money raised indicates the level of kindness of the rail industry and their determination to be an inclusive industry.
“Royal School for the Deaf Derby intend to put the money into a brand-new project, as opposed to lots of smaller ones. The children have wanted an outdoor classroom space that is deaf aware and bespoke to their needs. We hope that this money can fund that project in its entirety.
“When I spoke at the event, I asked for equal opportunity for our deaf children – the money generously donated will enable us to create an inclusive, equal opportunity learning space for our amazing children. Thank you so much.”
The event, sponsored by Derby City Council, has raised money for Royal School for the Deaf Derby for many years and last year donations of almost £5,000 helped work on the school library to be completed.
Matt Pallett, Managing Director of CoMech, based on Pride Park, said: “Dinner at The Roundhouse is always a brilliant occasion and a good opportunity to catch up with colleagues across the industry.
“CoMech has worked with the pupils at Royal School for the Deaf Derby previously and I think Paul made a big impression on everyone in the room.
“How great that the money raised on the night will make such a big difference to the school.”
Matt Johnson, Managing Director of Mainspring, said: “We are delighted once again to support the Royal School for the Deaf Derby as we have done now for many years.
“Each year, we are inspired by the work that the school does in improving the lives of the young people in their care. We are thrilled that the Dinner at the Roundhouse event brought the national rail industry together to raise the highest ever amount for the school.”
