Students Inspired to Give Back Following Moving Evelina Talk

This week’s assembly focused on the theme of community engagement and the importance of supporting our local area. Over the years, DLD students have been active supporters of Evelina London Children’s Hospital, raising money for this special organisation located directly opposite the school. The Upper School was honoured to welcome two very special guests from hospital: Tina, a Community Fundraiser, and Katie, an Evelina Ambassador.

Tina shared the incredible work being carried out at Evelina, one of the UK’s leading children’s hospitals, and the vital role it plays in caring for young people and supporting families in challenging times. Her talk highlighted how community support and fundraising help to enhance the hospital’s services, making a tangible difference to patients’ lives every day.

Katie then delivered a deeply personal and courageous presentation, detailing her own medical journey and first-hand experiences of the care she received at Evelina. Her powerful reflections on resilience – including the inspiring reminder that “your body can achieve what your mind believes” – struck a chord with students and staff alike.

The session encouraged pupils to reflect on the importance of compassion, kindness, and understanding – especially towards those facing hidden challenges. Students came away with a renewed appreciation for the strength found in vulnerability, and a deeper understanding of how they, too, can make a difference.

Motivated by Tina and Katie’s stories, Upper School students are now planning to organise a charity fundraising event in support of Evelina Children’s Hospital in the coming weeks.

This powerful and thought-provoking session is a testament to the school’s ongoing commitment to character development and community action – encouraging DLD students to be not only successful learners, but also empathetic and socially responsible individuals.

Celestine Cawley