Supporting Our Team: Matthew Price Helps Power a Fundraiser for Kingsdown School
We are incredibly proud to share a a feel-good fundraising story from within our own team; Our Metalshop Foreman, Matthew Price, recently went above and beyond the day job to support a cause very close to his family’s heart.
Ride for Ralph!
At the end of November, Matthew helped his daughter Ruby and his wife Kate take on an inspiring 20‑mile charity bike ride, raising vital funds for Kingsdown School, a specialist SEN school in Eastwood, Essex, which supports children with complex needs and disabilities.
Riding for a Reason
The challenge was organised as part of Kingsdown School’s fundraising campaign to support its much‑loved “Beyond the Curriculum” provision. This programme gives pupils the opportunity to learn and thrive outside the classroom through experiences such as coastal schools, horse riding, Sealife Adventure visits, Barleylands, and many other unforgettable trips. Central to making these experiences possible is “Ralph” the school’s dedicated minibus, over the years Ralph has enabled countless pupils to access enriching activities in a safe and familiar environment, however, with age catching up and maintenance costs increasing the school is working hard to raise funds to replace the bus before breakdowns begin to limit opportunities for the children.
A Family Effort
As parents and grandparents of children who attend Kingsdown School, the cause is deeply personal for Matthew, Kate and Ruby; Caring for children with special educational needs brings unique challenges and the support Kingsdown provides to both pupils and families has been life‑changing. The 20‑mile route began in Rochford, passing through Ashingdon, Canewdon, Wallasea Marina and Paglesham, before following the sea wall pathway and finishing with a well‑earned drink at The Royal Oak in Stambridge. Despite the challenge, the family were overwhelmed by the generosity of friends, colleagues and the wider community.
An Incredible Result
Thanks to the hard work of everyone involved and the amazing support behind them, the fundraiser didn’t just meet its goal, it exceeded it, raising a fantastic £1,425.00 for Kingsdown School, which will go towards helping to ensure that future generations of pupils can continue to benefit from the experiences that make such a difference to their confidence, independence and happiness.
Proud to Support Our People
At NES we are proud of the dedication our team shows, not only in their professional roles, but in the communities and families they support beyond work. A huge well done to Matthew, Ruby and Kate for their commitment, compassion and determination, your efforts will truly make a difference and we are honoured to share your story.
