Hello everyone,

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

I'm raising money to help York Castle High School rebuild. Storm Melissa has caused significant damage and the school needs help to be able to reopen and educate it's students.

This cause is incredibly close to my heart. I worked here as a teacher in 1998 - 99. I lived on site and saw first hand what an amazing job they do, with so few resources.

The school is also a huge focal point for the wider community in Brown's Town, St. Ann, Jamaica. It stood proudly above the town, it's distinctive yellow building visible for miles. It will stand proudly again, the community is rallying and powering ahead with the clean up.

Funds will be used for building supplies, furniture, to restore water and power, and for equipment for learning. After the initial "surge" to reopen they will need ongoing support to keep up the momentum. Science labs and IT rooms in particular are beyond recognition.

I could write a million words about the impact this school has had on me. I could refer to it's many students through the years, it's staff, the wider community. I could talk about the pride students take in their school. I could try (and fail) to draw comparisons to UK schools, to illustrate just how much the school does, with so little....

.... but my words wouldn't do justice to the situation. Trust me when I say that any money donated will be spent wisely.

If you've got this far, thank you. I know times are hard and there are a million worthy causes. Please only give if you can.

For transparency, the money will come to me, which I will transfer directly to the school. York Castle High School doesn't have charitable status in the UK. If you would prefer to donate to a registered charity, all the usual charities are collecting to help rebuild all across the wider Carribean.

I've opted to use go fund me as I want to send the money directly to the school I know and love. Please only donate if you are comfortable with this arrangement.

Again, thank you for reading.

Sending love and peace.

Theresa. X