A school community hit hard by cancer has put all its efforts into a huge fundraising drive to raise thousands of pounds for charity.

Pupils and staff at St Lawrence College in Ramsgate took part in a number of events for Macmillan Cancer Support during the school’s annual ‘Making a Difference Day’.

Head teacher Ellen Rowe says the day was inspired by one of their Year 6 pupils, whose mother is battling the disease.

“She asked me if she could raise funds by holding a raffle at school to help those suffering with cancer,” she said.

“The answer to this question could only ever be yes - not only was she showing leadership and enterprising skills, she was also being incredibly brave as her own mother is currently suffering from cervical cancer.

“By offering to run a raffle she was able to bring back some control to her life. Taking ownership of such a positive project has given her a reason to smile.”

Ms Rowe says, motivated by the girl’s courage, the school decided to dedicate the day to fundraising for Macmillan.

“Once the charity was chosen the momentum it created has been overwhelming,” she said.

“As a school we have suffered over recent months with a colleague undergoing breast cancer treatment and several of our parents undergoing treatment, all coping with the complexities of cancer during a pandemic.

“Moreover, sadly during the lockdown one of our much-loved school governors lost his battle with pancreatic cancer.

“We only had to cast our minds back 12 months to think of several other parents in our community who have suffered and fought cancer, we are inspired by the positivity of each of them.

“I believe our community has responded so positively to this ‘Making a Difference’ day as so many families are suffering or have suffered from cancer and this cannot be forgotten whilst our daily thoughts are so often directed by the media to Covid.”

As part of the fundraising, two teachers took part in a brave the shave, pupils got involved in a crazy sock day with some wacky footwear, a raffle was held and children were also treated to a hot chocolate as part of the Macmillan Big Coffee Morning.

The school has now raised £4,435, smashing its target of £1,000. To donate visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/StLawrenceCollegeJuniorSchool.

To donate visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/StLawrenceCollegeJuniorSchool

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