The Atlas Foundation Celebrates Half Marathon Fundraising Achievements of Student Supporter
The Atlas Foundation celebrates Dauntsey’s School student for raising funds through the Paris Half Marathon
As the excitement of the London Marathon continues to resonate, The Atlas Foundation, a global children's charity, is celebrating the success of a young supporter who hit her ambitious goals in another prestigious race, finishing the Paris Half Marathon.
Dauntsey's School pupils nominated the charity as their chosen cause for this academic year, and student Cookie White has demonstrated the school's passion, dedication, and enthusiasm by taking on this iconic race over an impressive 21.1 kilometres.
Support From Dauntsey’s School for The Atlas Foundation
The school voted to support The Atlas Foundation in September 2024 as part of its ongoing mission to use the power of education and shared experience to inspire students to go the extra mile. Students were tasked with finding ways to raise funds to support disadvantaged, vulnerable children living in some of the world’s toughest environments.
All funds raised throughout the year are being donated directly to the Kings Rugby Development Charity. The project partner to The Atlas Foundation works to support children in Kibera, Africa’s largest urban slum, where children are exposed to violence, a lack of opportunity, unsanitary conditions and little in the way of clean water or electricity.
Dauntsey’s rose swiftly to the occasion, and alongside individual efforts, the school has hosted bake sales, bonfire nights, adventure days, mufti, or non-uniform events, a charity lunch day, the Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race, and student-led fundraising activities such as selling over 200 commemorative t-shirts during a tournament that was followed by a deserved U18 National Rugby Plate victory.
The school went the extra mile to show its support and commitment to affecting lasting change, travelling to Kenya in a group that included the Head of the Lower School and 28 pupils. The group delivered a staggering 86 kilos of kit to Little Sports Kenya, another Atlas Project Partner.
Amid these incredible achievements and inspiring projects, Cookie decided to challenge herself, entering the Semi de Paris, one of the best-known European half marathons that attracts over 40,000 competitors every year.
Marking Student Fundraising Success and Sporting Challenges
With a commitment to training, supported by her school, classmates and family, Cookie travelled to Paris to take on the race. The half marathon winds through the French capital from a starting line at the Place de la Bastille, ending in a sprint finish back into the heart of the city. Her fundraising efforts raised more than £2,000, an exceptional achievement for one pupil.
Commenting on her experience, Cookie, an avid rugby player, noted that the race was more than a chance to finish or claim a medal. It was an opportunity to play a part in catalysing the power of sport to unite communities and make an impact, having been part of the group that visited impoverished African communities in person.
Cookie said, ‘I know how vital The Atlas Foundation's work is and I am delighted to have raised funds to support their mission. Using the half marathon as a fundraising aid felt like the perfect fit. Through all of this, I hope that the efforts from all Dauntsey’s pupils make even the smallest difference in someone’s life.’
The Impacts of Dauntsey’s School Fundraising Efforts for The Atlas Foundation
Speaking on behalf of The Atlas Foundation, General Manager, Peter Scott said, ‘First and foremost, congratulations and thank you, Cookie. This is a remarkable achievement, and we do not underestimate the pressure of training and preparing for such a feat of endurance.
Your efforts are a shining example to us all. The tremendous amount you have raised showcases Dauntsey's values of leadership, resilience, and compassion. We are grateful for your support and are delighted that our valued school partners are, to date, up to 72% of their fundraising goal for the year.’
Thus far, pupils have raised over £5,000 as well as acting as advocates for The Atlas Foundation. Their help in fundraising and raising awareness has helped ensure projects like The Lunchbowl Network, which works with the Kings Rugby Development Charity, have critical resources.
This programme delivers mentoring, rugby training, access to health checks, learning materials, fresh water, nutritious meals, and, above all, community. It supports children from ages five to 19 to ensure they have opportunities, leadership, and aspirations alongside real resources that create a pathway out of poverty.
Read more about Atlas Foundation - The Rugby Champions Performing Away From the Pitch, Sporting Stars Working With The Atlas Foundation
About The Atlas Foundation
Founded by rugby legend Jason Leonard OBE, The Atlas Foundation uses rugby as a tool to improve the lives of children in disadvantaged communities around the world. By partnering with local organisations, The Atlas Foundation provides educational, health, and social development opportunities to help children thrive.
Media Contact:
Caitlin Clark
Marketing and Communications Officer
The Atlas Foundation
+44 (0)207 043 2232