A specialist educational establishment in Abingdon is inviting local residents to take part in a vibrant fundraising initiative.

The Unicorn School is marking National Unicorn Day on April 9 by collecting donations for young people with particular learning difficulties.

The institution provides education for pupils between six and 18 years old who have conditions including dyslexia, dyspraxia and speech or language requirements.

National Unicorn Day presents a chance to gather contributions while enjoying festivities, with the school urging families and companies to participate by arranging their own charitable activities.

Leanne Sinclair, the school’s fundraising manager, expressed enthusiasm about the community response, noting that Sophos has selected The Unicorn School as its charity of the year and will be sending volunteers to decorate the premises, while law firm HCB Widdows Mason is organising a cake stall and will double all money collected during the event.

Those wishing to take part can select an activity and establish a donations page through the official JustGiving platform.

Suggested options include sponsored unicorn-inspired walks or runs, cake stalls, trivia competitions, and the Let’s Lunch initiative, where participants prepare meals for colleagues, teammates or companions in return for charitable contributions.

Mike Hayne, business development manager at HCB Widdows Mason, stated that the firm is preparing for its National Unicorn Day cake sale fundraiser and is delighted to support The Unicorn School, adding that the practice focuses on assisting parents who have faced challenges with the education, health and care plan process and therefore understands the struggles encountered by children with special educational needs.