From Classrooms To Care

This year, the school’s Sixth Form led the way by taking part in ellenor’s Twilight Walk in September, joining hundreds of supporters and raising vital funds for hospice care.

Looking ahead, Gravesend Grammar has also pledged its support for next summer’s Dartford We’re Going on a Bear Hunt – the borough’s first public art trail. Led by local hospice charity ellenor in partnership with Dartford Borough Council and Wild in Art, the project will see Big Bear and Bear Cub sculptures appear across Dartford. Proceeds from the school’s annual half-marathon walk will help bring the trail to life.

Since 1997, Gravesend Grammar has raised funds for ellenor through sponsored walks, raffles, quizzes, carol services and non-uniform days. The school’s half-marathon walk from Gravesend through Cobham to Jeskyns Country Park and back has become a much-loved tradition, bringing together staff and pupils in support of local causes.

ellenor provides care for patients in North Kent and Bexley living with life-limiting illnesses, as well as support for their families from diagnosis onwards. Services range from clinical care by doctors and nurses to wellbeing programmes delivered at its new state-of-the-art Wellbeing Centre in Northfleet.

This year marks ellenor’s 40th anniversary, and the hospice is keen to recognise the enduring commitment of supporters like Gravesend Grammar. That support feeds directly into the £9.6m ellenor must raise each year to deliver its services – from inpatient care and community outreach to wellbeing support and, crucially, care in people’s own homes.

Looking ahead, the Bear Hunt Art Trail will be one of ellenor’s most ambitious fundraising events. From July to September 2026, Dartford and Bluewater will be transformed into an outdoor gallery of 30 Big Bears and 30 Bear Cubs, each uniquely decorated by artists, schools and community groups. Inspired by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury’s classic children’s book We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, the trail will combine creativity and community spirit to raise vital funds for hospice care.

More than just summer fun, the Bear Hunt will bring the community together and showcase the creativity of schools, artists and local organisations, while raising vital funds for ellenor’s work. ellenor is inviting schools across its service area to take part, encouraging businesses to sponsor sculptures and welcoming artists to contribute their talents.

👉 To find out more visit dartfordbearhunt.co.uk.