This weekend sees a renowned Hitchin head teacher attempt a perilous bungee jump to raise much-needed funds for two schools in our area.

Highly-respected Hitchin educationalist Steve Mills, head of Whitehill Junior School, will be attempting his sponsored death-defying leap on Sunday.

Mr Mills will be jumping to raise funds for two Hitchin Schools, Whitehill and Highbury Infant and Nursery School.

The idea started when Whitehill's Friends' Association (PTA) were given a voucher for a bungee jump and thought it would be fun, and make a little more money for the school if a member of staff were willing to volunteer to do it.

Mr Mills takes up the story, telling Nub News: "Before I had processed the words leaving my mouth, I'd replied with, "I'll do it," he said.

That was in the summer term, and so they proceeded to book it for the acclaimed head for this Sunday, September 11. Originally it was going to be in Bedford but has now been rescheduled for Battersea Park in London. 

"I am so grateful for the sponsorship to date which is well on the way to the £1,000 target the PTA have put on my life - I mean, set themselves!

"I recognise the extra stress on families' incomes at the moment and so really do appreciate the support.

"We have a few projects in mind at school and this extra money raised by our amazing PTA will certainly help at a time when school budgets are also at breaking point."

Good-natured Mr Mills added with a wry smile: "Parents have been really supportive and just snigger when I ask them, 'what's the worst that can happen?' 

"I am an adrenaline junkie and love roller coasters and the like - and so am just thinking of this as a different form of ride.

"My only 'fear' is the 'jump' bit - a key part, I know - if someone were up there hanging me upside down by my ankles, it wouldn't worry me at all," he confided.

Under Mr Mills headship the school and its staff have been renowned for the quality of its teaching - and was hailed by parents during the pandemic for outstanding work.

Whitehill is a two form entry community junior school within the northern area of Hertfordshire County Education Authority, with the school rated 'good' by Ofsted, with eight classrooms in pleasant, purpose-built provision, which was opened in 1969.

So, why not save the date and head along to Battersea Park and support a great cause and/or donate to the event at our just giving page.

Kate Halpin, chair of Friends of Whitehill School, told Hitchin Nub News: "Mr Mills, our dedicated, brave and slightly crazy head teacher of Whitehill Junior School in Hitchin will be partaking in a sponsored Bungee Jump, adding: "It's a slightly different and interesting challenge to normal PTA events." 

To donate and help boost Mr Mills' during his death-defying feat click here