Caring youngsters raise £25,000 for cancer charity

Enterprising youngsters have raised £25,000 for a cancer charity.

Pupils from Dixie Grammar, in Market Bosworth, baked cakes, made marmalade, organised an auction, a danceathon, a summer fair and a raffle, as well as taking part in a sponsored bike ride, zumbathon, tennis tournament and other activities throughout the past year to raise the cash.

The momentous effort was timed to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the grammar's re-founding, when it was established as the school it is today.

Pupils set themselves the target of £25,000.

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One teacher even shaved off his beard to help the effort – raising £800 in the process.

All the funds are going to Hope Against Cancer, a Leicestershire and Rutland charity which raises money for cancer research.

One of the many ideas to engage the school's 550 students was a Cash Challenge, in which each child received £1 with the aim of turning it into £25.

Emmie Deer, 10, sent a letter to every parent to say she was happy to polish their shoes in exchange for a donation.

She said: "I told them I had some good black shoe polish and I would clean their shoes for £1 per pair.

"My dad showed me how to polish shoes very well and I took a lot of care over it."

Edward Green, 11, produced a recipe book after asking staff and parents for their favourites.

Once he had collected enough recipes he sold more than 170 copies.

Head teacher John Wood said: "We wanted to mark the anniversary by raising money for a good cause and Hope Against Cancer was suggested.

"Many of us are aware of somebody battling this terrible disease and it was fitting that a local charity was selected for our fund-raising."

"Throughout the year, students, family and friends of the school have continually raised money and I've been overwhelmed by the ingenuity and dedication of everyone involved.

"It's fair to say that I and some of my colleagues thought it was an ambitious target for a school of our size, but I'm absolutely delighted that we've reached it.

"Congratulations to all involved on this superb achievement.

"I'm very proud that we're donating such a large sum to a very worthwhile and important cancer research charity."

Wendi Stevens, of Hope Against Cancer, said: "This is a fantastic achievement and we're incredibly grateful for the support of Dixie Grammar School.

"We would like to thank the children for their hard work and commitment.

"All the money will be used on research carried out here in Leicester to benefit local cancer sufferers."