Lonsdale School are supporting The Alfie Jones Foundation

Alfie Jones was an extraordinary boy. He was diagnosed with a brain tumour at just three months old. Throughout his life he fought this and hydrocephalus, a complication from the tumour. Alfie fought tirelessly for the majority of his life. Despite spending lots of time in hospital, having to have various medical procedures, Alfie always had a big, beautiful smile on his face. He was an absolute delight, loved and cherished by all that knew him.

We are Lonsdale School - a school in Stevenage, Hertfordshire for children and young people with physical disabilities and neurological impairments. Our School Council and wider pupil community decided that we wanted to support a charity through fundraising over a year. The first charity that we have chosen to support is The Alfie Jones Foundation. Please read on to find out why this charity is so very close to all of our hearts.

In June 2024 a loved and very special member of our community, Alfie Jones, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly aged 14. Alfie attended Lonsdale for most of his life, starting off in our primary department and progressing into the secondary classes. After feeling unwell one evening, Alfie was rushed to hospital. Tragically, Alfie had developed sepsis and did not wake up. Alfie had been at school on the Friday and had a wonderful day. He passed away on the Sunday.

Alfie's family want to raise as much awareness of sepsis as possible, as they were never warned about the complications of infections, or sepsis. Alfie had very little speech due to the damage from his brain tumour and they want to make as many parents, families and carers aware of sepsis especially when the child or adult may find it harder to communicate.

Alfie's courageous family are now working hard to raise awareness of sepsis and we are supporting them through naming The Alfie Jones Foundation as the charity we will be supporting as a school in 2025.

We will be holding events each half term to raise funds so Alfie's family can continue the important work they have already started in raising awareness of sepsis. Please join us in making a difference. The pupils and staff at Lonsdale School thank you in advance for your contribution to this cause; it really means the world to us.