The Head Girl team at Portsmouth High School presented a cheque for £10,416.87 to Sophie’s Legacy on 7 May 2026, following a year of dedicated fundraising by pupils.
The charity was founded in January 2022 by Charlotte Fairall in memory of her daughter, Sophie Fairall. Sophie, from Stubbington, Hampshire, was diagnosed with a rare form of childhood cancer called rhabdomyosarcoma in September 2020 at the age of nine and died one year later at the age of 10. Before her death, Sophie created a list of wishes to improve hospital care, which included having play specialists available seven days a week, better food for children and parents staying in hospital, and increased training and research into childhood cancer.
Charlotte Fairall, who serves as the founder and chief executive of the charity, confirmed that the donation from the school will cover the salary of a family support worker for over six months. The funds will also help provide essential items such as food and toiletries, as well as emotional support to thousands of families on children’s wards, including at Queen Alexandra Hospital.
The fundraising effort was spearheaded by the school’s Sixth Form during their annual Charity Week. This tradition has been running for over 30 years and is organised entirely by the pupils, featuring events such as talent shows, live music, and a fashion show.
Portsmouth High School is an independent girls’ school founded in 1882 and is part of the Girls’ Day School Trust network.
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