Over £150,000 raised during Millfield’s first-ever Giving Day!

Over 35 hours, on the 26-27 May, Millfield carried out its first-ever Giving Day to raise money for the Discover Brilliance Fund. With 625 donors (from over 40 countries!) and 78 Ambassadors, we managed to raise over £150,000 towards bursaries at Millfield. Staff and students were involved in a range of challenges taking place throughout Giving Day, and we were delighted to see so many of our oversees Millfield community on virtual Zoom calls.

The Discover Brilliance Fund will allow more talented children, who have limited financial means, access to a life-changing Millfield education. We are aiming to raise £100 million by Millfield’s centenary in 2035!

We had some amazing OM Ambassadors supporting us, including England Footballer, Tyrone Mings (2009-2011; St Anne's), England Rugby Player, Jonathan Joseph (2007-2009; St Anne's), and Olympic Rower, Sarah Winckless MBE (1990-1992; Orchard Leigh), among many other incredible members of the Millfield community.

We had lots of fun and exciting challenges happening on campus over the 35 hours, which unlocked donations from generous donors. Staff and students completed a race to Dhrangadhra challenge - where the first Millfield students came from - by swimming, running, walking, riding and cycling the 7,000km distance. There was a Beat the Head challenge, where staff, students and OMs raced to beat Gavin Horgan’s 10k running time. Students completed 100-themed challenges to unlock a donation for their House. There was also a Netball v Basketball Shoot-out, a staff v students Countdown, a 100 Years of Dance challenge, where students danced a routine to symbolise the last 100 years, and finally an Art challenge saw the students painting an incredible Millfield mural over 100 minutes.

We were also hugely excited that Millfield’s Giving Day featured on BBC Points West on Wednesday 26 May!

There were some lovely quotes posted by donors during the Giving Day, showing their support for the campaign and sharing some of their fond memories from their time at Millfield:

“For a magical place, which holds a special place in my heart. I will always be grateful for the positive influence which Millfield had on my life.”

“Millfield offers a diverse education and amazing opportunities that opens doors in all walks of life and the future ahead. I had a wonderful time and life-long friends. I am glad that my children have also had the same opportunity.”

“Some of the happiest days of my life were at Millfield – may you always bring that happiness and confidence to all who pass through your gates and so help them to reach their full potential.”

Take a look at all of the quotes that were posted on the donor wall here.

It was amazing to see the whole Millfield community, all around the world, come together to support Millfield’s Giving Day and make it so successful. Thank you to everyone who donated - the money raised will enable talented young people to discover their brilliance at Millfield.

Click here to watch a video montage of the day and all of the challenges, and see all of the photos from the day here.