Dunbar Primary School receives surprise visit from Joe Wicks

Dunbar Primary School had a special guest appearance from Joe Wicks, aka The Body Coach, after the school were named as the top fundraisers as part of Asda's Cashpot for Schools initiative.

Article Source: Cashpot for Schools
Last Updated: 22 January 2025 11:25

Asda’s Cashpot for Schools initiative, which launched in September 2024, allowed the retailer to donate 0.5 per cent of the value of its customers’ shopping to a primary school of their choice every time they shop using Asda rewards. Over £5.7 million pounds will now be donated to nearly 22,000 state-funded schools across the UK.

Dunbar Primary School in East Lothian had the most money raised for them through the initiative and Joe Wicks, who fronted Asda’s campaign, surprised the school by presenting them with a cheque for £4,215.88. The funding raised for Dunbar Primary School will now enable them to upgrade playgrounds and create a sensory garden across both their campuses – John Muir and Lochend. Over £630,000 was raised in total for schools across Scotland.

Scottish teachers welcomed the initiative, with 63% saying that a lack of funding has impacted learning and student experience at their school, with the most significantly underfunded needs being school trips (74%), sports equipment (66%), and books and learning materials (57%).

The Cashpot for Schools campaign reflects Joe’s passion for supporting schools, particularly through sports and experiences, matching Asda’s ambition to help families live their very best lives, no matter their budget.

During the visit, Joe Wicks engaged with the children, sharing his passion for fitness and education, and took time to meet the teachers to learn more about how the funds will be put to use, held two warm up sessions with the children and then spoke about the importance of investing in young minds and the positive impact that this funding will have on the children.

Dad-of-four Joe said: “I know first-hand from the work I’ve done in schools just how much of a difference the Cashpot for Schools initiative is making to kids across the country.

“I feel incredibly proud to be part of such an important initiative with Asda, working with a partner that is as committed to supporting families as I am. It’s such an honour to visit Dunbar Primary School today to see the impact that their donation is going to have and to help them to upgrade the playgrounds and enabling the creation of a sensory garden, it was great to see so many enthusiastic and excited children today – that’s what it’s all about.”

Emma Grierson, Deputy Head, Dunbar Primary School comments: “When Annette, the Community Champion at Asda Dunbar, informed us of Joe’s visit, we were all so excited. It’s been hard to keep it a secret for the children, but it’s been an honour to be able to host Joe at our school. The children and teachers have had such a wonderful day meeting Joe and loved asking him questions.

On behalf of the children and other teachers, I can't express how thrilled we are to have received this funding. After consulting with pupils and families, it was decided that the money would be used to update our playgrounds and create a sensory garden. The children are absolutely over the moon and can’t wait to test it out.”

Annette Newell, Community Champion at Asda Dunbar says: “It’s been fantastic to have the opportunity to connect with the teachers and pupils at Dunbar Primary School. Seeing their excitement and hearing about their plans to upgrade their playgrounds and see the joy on the children’s faces was truly warming. It’s great to see our partnership making a real difference, and we’re proud to support such a dedicated school and community!”

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Edinburgh News

Brand new craft event encourages mindfulness, creativity and relaxation

Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting customers along to an afternoon of creativity, connection, and cake this January, with a brand-new Crafternoon Tea Club.

Hauf and hauf revival as Edinburgh drinks partnership hits the pub

A modern twist on a traditional Scottish serve is being poured across Edinburgh this festive season, as two of the city's leading independent drinks producers announce a flavour-led collaboration.

Opening New Years Day: Turner in January triumphantly returns to the National Galleries of Scotland

Following the incredible success of last year's blockbuster exchange with the National Gallery of Ireland, Scotland's own much-loved Turners are back in Edinburgh for 2026!

Christmas has arrived in Glasgow, The IRN BRU Carnival returns for its 106th year

Europe's largest indoor fun fair, The IRN-BRU Carnival, has opened to the public at Glasgow's SEC with its greatest show to date!

Historic Edinburgh pub set for major investment in the New Year

A much-loved Belhaven pub in the heart of the Old Town is set to ring in the New Year in style with a brand-new look and elevated offering as it undergoes a significant programme of refurbishment.

Castle of Light offers special priced tickets for spectacular closing night

Experience the award-winning after-dark event at Edinburgh Castle one final time, with a special £10 ticket available for the final night (Sunday 4 January 2026).

Edinburgh Rugby scores new deal with city centre sports bar

Edinburgh Rugby has scored a new deal with one of the city’s most popular sports bars, which will see all the buzz from Hive Stadium pop-up in the Grassmarket.

A Goal So Good it is a Work of Art!

It’s a winner! A spectacular new photograph is now on show at National Galleries Scotland: Portrait to celebrate Scotland’s men reaching the FIFA World Cup 2026.

First Footin goes Global with Live Streaming announced from iconic venues

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay has announced the event will include live streaming for the first time, opening the New Year’s Day performances to audiences around the world.

Distillers Fair returns for its 25th year at the The Scotch Whisky Experience

This December, The Scotch Whisky Experience invites guests to raise a dram to a quarter-century of discovery as the Distillers’ Fair returns for its 25th year.

National Galleries of Scotland celebrate the return of Surrealism collection

Scotland’s world class collection of surrealist art is back home in Modern One and free to visit from 17th December 2025.

The Johnnie Walker Experience named Europe and The World Leading Spirit Tourism Experience again.

Two in a row: The Johnnie Walker Experience has once again been named Europe and The World’s Leading Spirit Tourism Experience at the 2025 World Travel Awards(WTA).

Dynamic Earth Announces Appointment of New Chief Executive Officer

Dynamic Earth is pleased to announce the appointment of Gwilym Gibbons as its new Chief Executive Officer, following a rigorous and far-reaching recruitment process.

Edinburghs Christmas adds themed skating sessions

Edinburgh's Christmas has added new special themed skating sessions to run throughout the season.

Vue Edinburgh Omni set to dazzle with new Laser by Barco technology

Film fans in Edinburgh can now enjoy the latest releases in even greater clarity and colour with the arrival of Laser by Barco projection technology at Vue Edinburgh Omni.

Deer Park backs Livingston FC Community young footballers with kit sponsorship

Deer Park is helping to kickstart the footballing journey of young players by sponsoring new training kits, match kits, and rain jackets for the Livingston FC Community’s 2017 age group.

DF Concerts & Events launches The DF Academy

DF Concerts launches the DF Academy to strengthen pathways between education and Scotland's live music & events industry.

Dance Base to celebrate 25th year in Grassmarket home

2026 represents a landmark year for Dance Base, Scotland’s National Centre for Dance, as the organisation celebrates 25 years in its purpose-built home in the heart of Edinburgh’s Grassmarket.

Edinburgh Zoo welcomes second rare sloth bear

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo has welcomed a second male sloth bear, named Rajath.

Innis & Gunn unveils 1875 Arctic Ale in tribute to legendary North Pole expedition

A ‘KNOCK-OUT’ new beer has been unveiled inside an ice sculpture in Edinburgh to celebrate 150 years since the legendary North Pole expedition it was originally brewed for.

National Galleries of Scotland get their skates on to recreate iconic Skating Minister

To celebrate World Ice Skating Day on 14 December, the National Galleries of Scotland got their skates on to recreate one of the most iconic paintings, Sir Henry Raeburn’s Skating Minister.

Everyman presents Nationwide preview screenings of Sentimental Value

See the highly anticipated new comedy drama before anyone else, with preview screenings at Everyman cinemas nationwide.

Enlightenment an Immersive Experience set to transform McEwan Hall in Edinburgh

Swiss art collective PROJEKTIL brings its vivid light and sound show to Edinburgh from 31 January, following acclaimed runs in Glasgow, Liverpool and Leeds

Edinburgh International Book Festival and Celtic Connections unveil major new partnership

Edinburgh International Book Festival and Celtic Connections unveil major new partnership bringing together Scotland's most celebrated writers and musicians!

Hogmanay celebrations at Lost Shore set to kick 2026 off with a bang

Lost Shore Surf Resort, Europe’s largest inland surf destination, is gearing up for a spectacular start to 2026 with a packed programme of festive events.

Chief Executive of The Scotch Whisky Experience awarded highest international honours in the whisky world

The Scotch Whisky Experience is proud to announce that Chief Executive Susan Morrison has been inducted into the Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame,

DF Concerts & Events celebrates a year of sustainable and inclusive events

DF Concerts & Events is celebrating the success of their sustainability initiatives delivered across their major summer events in 2025.

Isaac McHale and Stuart Ralston Burns Night in Edinburgh

On Sunday 25th January, for one night only, Isaac McHale returns to his native Scotland for a Burns Night dinner with Stuart Ralston at his Michelin-starred Lyla.

Funded Debut Fringe for Scottish comedians returns for 2nd year

Scottish comedy producer Brass Tacks Comedy is once again offering one Scottish or Scotland-based comedian a funded Edinburgh Festival Fringe debut for 2026, supported by Red Bull UK.

Celebrate the New Year with a sparkling experience at The Ivy Edinburgh

With toasts to celebrate the new year breaking around the world, the experience is not to be missed!

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall

Dunbar Primary School receives surprise visit from Joe Wicks

Dunbar Primary School had a special guest appearance from Joe Wicks, aka The Body Coach, after the school were named as the top fundraisers as part of Asda's Cashpot for Schools initiative.

Sponsored Links

Latest Edinburgh News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings