Pupils, staff and friends of St Alban’s Catholic Primary School in Kings Heath, Birmingham, are on a fundraising mission.

They are aiming to raise £80,000 to provide seven-year-old Vinnie with a safe and accessible downstairs classroom that meets his unique needs and will enable him to live the most normal life he can.

And they are inviting all to the 'St Alban's Fest' event tomorrow, Wednesday 17 July with live musicians, a BBQ, raffle, dancing and much more with all funds raised going to the classroom. 

The teachers are going to go into the stocks as children get to throw wet sponges at them to raise such important funds for Vinnie! 

Headteacher Rebecca McKinney explains Vinnie’s story…

Vinnie was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), a complex congenital heart condition where one side of his heart didn't develop fully in the womb. 

Vinnie's journey has been one of courage and strength, marked by multiple surgeries and medical challenges from a very young age. 

His parents, Claire and Ben, have trusted St Alban’s with Vinnie and we are keen for him to access school life at all levels.

Vinnie's resilience and unwavering spirit continue to inspire all of us at St Alban's. Despite facing difficult odds, Vinnie has shown incredible determination and a positive attitude that have touched the hearts of everyone around him.

Concerns about Vinnie's well-being have prompted us to seek support for a crucial cause. Vinnie's Consultant Paediatric Cardiologist has emphasised the risks of him navigating the stairs to the junior classrooms due to his condition. Our goal is to provide Vinnie with a safe and accessible downstairs classroom that meets his unique needs.

The Year 2 class that Vinnie is part of are like a family. They are very supportive and compassionate of Vinnie's needs. The class would be devastated if Vinnie was unable to be with them for the full school day next year. As part of our commitment to Catholic Social Teaching the children regularly raise money for those in need. The class took part in a 5k walk for CAFOD and as the class walked Vinnie was pushed alongside them in his wheelchair. His friends took turns walking beside him and joining in the fun. 

We support the 'Little Hearts Matter' charity each year and children across the school understand how important this charity is to Vinnie and his family. They regularly pray for Vinnie and his family and all those who are sick who need our prayers. During Vinnie's most recent stay in hospital the class held a 'Zoom call' with Vinnie to ensure he knew they were thinking of him and then held a special prayer service asking God to keep Vinnie safe.

Vinnie and his Mum attend the children’s Mass every week at St Dunstan’s and Claire also works closely with the chaplaincy team at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

To date over £13,000 has been raised via a dedicated fundraising page where people can learn more about Vinnie and the school’s ambition.

Ultimately a ground floor classroom will keep Vinnie and his Year Two friends together as they continue their school journey.

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