Ludgrove School in Wokingham hosted a successful charity event to benefit Vietnamese street children.
The Blue Dragon fun run, organized by two sixth formers Arthur Gordon-Harris and Tissot Do, attracted participants from 20 different schools across the UK.
Despite poor weather, more than 200 people attended the event, making it a great success.
Arthur said: “I was extremely proud to see the months of hard work come together to form such a special day.
“As a result of being inspired last year during a trip to Vietnam, I’ve been doing my bit to support the incredibly impactful work the Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation does in Vietnam.”
The Fun Run is the first of what Arthur and Tissot hope will become a series of annual event to support the foundation’s expansion into Ho Chi Minh City.
The idea for their fundraiser was conceived after Arthur visited Vietnam at Tissot’s invitation.
There, he witnessed the foundation’s positive impact and met co-CEO of Blue Dragon Foundation Do Duy Vi, whose story deeply moved him.
Vi was at the Wokingham event, and expressed his gratitude to the two sixth formers.
He said: “What you did will stick with me forever – it was exceptional.
“The way you inspired others and brought people together was beautiful to see; the food, the music, the race – all of it made the day truly special.
“It was extra special for me as it was my first trip to Europe as co-CEO of Blue Dragon.
“I was a kid living on the street, and now I’m travelling the world raising money to help other kids thrive.
“My journey was possible because of people like you.”
The friends’ seven and a half kilometer fun run was the first of their newly formed Blue Dragon Events’ fundraising activities.
They aim to raise £100,000 for the Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation, which supports street children and families in crisis throughout Vietnam, with a particular focus on the issue of trafficking.
“We have merchandise for sale, and an online auction live now, and we’ve raised nearly £70,000, which is being processed JustGiving,” said Arthur.
“And over the next three months we believe we will be able to achieve our goal of £100,000.”
Vi has been deeply impressed by their efforts.
“I’ve met a lot of people who have supported Blue Dragon in amazing ways,” he said.
“I’ve seen people run marathons, cycle across whole countries, and swim around an island.
“I’ve even seen one guy drag a van for 42 kilometers; all to raise money for vulnerable children in Vietnam.
“But the fact that Arthur and Tissot did all of this while studying for exams is extraordinary.
“It must be a really stressful time preparing for such an important event that will have a huge impact on their futures.
“But they went even further.
“They decided to have an impact on the lives of thousands of kids in Vietnam and inspired many other students.”
Blue Dragon Events is grateful to have been sponsored by Oak North Bank and Swish Cocktails.
For information, visit: www.bluedragonevents.co.uk, www.bluedragon.org, www.oaknorth.co.uk and www.swishcocktails.com
To support Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation, visit: www.justgiving.com/campaign/bluedragonfunrun2024
