Ellie Monaghan Y12 was one of a number of Woodhouse Grove students and staff who travelled to Uganda over the summer to work on a range of charitable projects alongside retired Woodhouse Grove matron Sister Shirley Crawford.

The trip opened Ellie’s eyes to how people live in other parts of the world and their struggle for the basic amenities that we take for granted. She noticed a great sense of community amongst the people she met and admired their willingness to immediately help a neighbour in need despite having very little themselves. Although their current circumstances were so difficult, Ellie saw how the people’s Faith gave them real hope for the future.

All the students involved in the life-changing trip had already held a number of events to raise money for the charities they visited in Uganda. Inspired by her experiences, Ellie took this further and since her return has held cake sales and a curry afternoon and set up a crowdfunding page to raise a further £1,724.17 to help the children she met.

Ellie’s commitment and compassion are an inspiration to us all and we are tremendously proud of this Grovian who is making a real difference to the lives of others.

I am kind & generous.

I am Grovian