01 November 2017

Inverurie pupils and teachers team up to beat cancer

Pupils and teachers at an Inverurie school will be running, jogging and walking to raise money for a cancer charity.

Kellands Primary School is hosting a special event at Kellands Park on Friday, November 3 as part of Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life schools programme.

Around 500 youngsters, aged three to 11, will join forces with teachers to take on cancer by walking, jogging and running up to five kilometres to raise vital funds.

Event organiser and Primary 5/6 Teacher, Pamela Dawson, said: “Race for Life is a great addition to the school timetable. We’re really looking forward to taking part and have been training during lunch times and PE lessons. The whole school is supporting the event so it will be a real team effort and a great day out for parents, pupils and staff, all whilst raising money for an important cause.

“Most of us know someone who has been touched by cancer and we all have our special reasons for taking part and wanting to help more people survive.”

Pupil Adam Stevens said: “We wanted to raise money for Cancer Research UK after hearing about cancer at an assembly. This is the first time we have organised an event like this.”

Lucy Machray, another pupil, said: “I hope as many people as possible give generously to help Cancer Research UK beat cancer sooner.” 

Primary 6 pupils, Alex Forbes and Chloe McIntosh said the organising team had been undergoing warm-ups under the supervision of extreme army trainer Norman McConnanchie.  The Garioch Partnership will provide teas and coffees whilst the local rugby club have donated a pavilion to be used.

Cllr Gillian Owen, Aberdeenshire Council’s Education and Children’s Services Committee chair, said: “It is great news that pupils and teachers are raising money for such a worthwhile cause. Those taking part will learn important life skills such as team work and the event promotes fitness too which can only be good for maintaining a healthy mind and body.

“Most importantly the Race for Life event will raise money for research into cancer which will play a part in finding cures and saving lives.”

Classes P5/6D are using a resource kit specially created by Cancer Research UK which includes everything required to stage the event. The pupils have been working closely with Aberdeenshire Council’s equipment hire team Inverurie-based Leisurelend to ensure things run smoothly.

Emily Smith, Head of Events Marketing for Cancer Research UK, said: “Race for Life Schools is a fantastic way to have fun, get fit and save lives. Young people today are the generation who could see ground-breaking treatments for cancer in their lifetime. They will be the researchers and lifesavers of tomorrow. But first, we need them to be the fundraisers of today – and walk, jog and run to help beat cancer sooner.”

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, is an inspiring series of events which raises millions of pounds every year to help fund vital research.

Schools across the UK are being invited to hold their own Race for Life events in aid of the charity. They can choose a day that fits with the term calendar and pick a distance which suits the age and abilities of all pupils. 

For more information visit https://raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org/about-our-events/schools