Bournemouth, Charity, Education, Poole | Posted on June 23rd, 2025 | return to news
Carmela takes on the ‘Poo Plod’ for Poole school
Carmela Chillery-Watson is setting out today to raise funds for new toilets for Shaftesbury Victoria School.
Carmela Chillery-Watson, who was the youngest person to be awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List, is setting out today on her next challenge.
The 11-year-old from Bournemouth has already raised £400,000 for Muscular Dystrophy UK across 25 different campaigns. Now she is making a five-mile journey to and from Bournemouth Pier to raise funds for her school, Shaftesbury Victoria School.
The money will be used entirely to fund new accessible wash/dry toilets for the Poole school. Carmela, who lives with congenital muscular dystrophy, had access to one such toilet at her previous home, so she wanted to help make these available to her fellow students.
In a humorous nod to the cause, Carmela is calling the event the Poo Plod, and she is doing it dressed as a toilet, with her mum Lucy alongside her dressed as an inflatable poo.
Carmela and Lucy are being joined by other parents and staff from the school in toilet-themed outfits.
Olu’ Odunsi, the headteacher at Shaftesbury Victoria School, said: “We thank Carmela and her mum, Lucy, for taking on this challenge to raise funds via the ‘poo plod’ idea. The funds raised will directly benefit our students, supporting their independence and wellbeing. It is the selfless spirit of achievement – exemplified by Carmela and Lucy – which defines the essence of our school.”
“We are incredibly proud of Carmela and her mum, Lucy, for organising such a wonderful challenge,” said Adele Audin, Shaftesbury’s director for education.
“Carmela’s thoughtfulness, energy, and dedication is truly inspiring. It’s heart-warming to see a young person take such initiative to help others, and the funds raised will go a long way in supporting our school and introduce her friends to the concept of wet/dry toilets.”
To donate to Carmela’s Poo Plod, visit the JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/poo-plod?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL&utm_campaign. Donations can be made after the event.
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