21 November 2017

Kindhearted Inverurie pupils raise nearly £11,000 for cancer charity

Almost £11,000 was raised by kindhearted pupils and teachers after an Inverurie school hosted a fundraising event for a cancer charity.

Pupils at Kellands Primary School decided to help those with cancer after hearing about the condition at an assembly. This led to around 500 youngsters, aged three to 11, walking, jogging and running up to five kilometres, ably assisted by teachers, to raise money for Cancer Research UK as part of the Race for Life Schools programme. The event took place at Kellands Park on Friday, November 3.

Event organiser and Primary 5/6 Teacher Pamela Dawson said: “The Cancer Research UK Race for Life event was really successful. A tremendous total of £10,823 has been raised which is a phenomenal achievement.

“When I heard all the cheering as the pupils were running to the finish line, I shed a little tear. I was so proud of how the day went and would like to thank all the community groups such as The Garioch Partnership, the local rugby club, the council’s Active Schools programme and Leisurelend service for helping to make this event such a success.”

P6 Pupil Adam Stevens said: “I was delighted with my time. I completed the race in 33 minutes. It was fantastic that we raised over £10,000 which could help children with cancer.”

Lucy Machray, another Kellands P6 pupil, said: “I thought the Race for Life went really well. Miss Dawson did a fantastic job in organising the event. I am really proud of her. Before the race we all had jobs to do. I was a marshaller which involved helping things run smoothly.”

Fellow P6 pupils Alex Forbes and Chloe McIntosh also assisted with event preparations. Alex was also a marshaller whilst Chloe was among those responsible for first aid.

Cllr Gillian Owen, Aberdeenshire Council’s Education and Children’s Services Committee chair, said: “I am delighted local school children took the lead in arranging this event to raise funding and awareness of cancer. I hope that the generosity of Inverurie residents will play a part in combatting cancer sooner.”

Committee vice chair, Cllr Mark Findlater, said: “To raise nearly £11,000 for Cancer Research UK is a tremendous achievement. I would like to congratulate and pay tribute to Miss Dawson for taking the initiative in arranging this Race for Life School’s event. I know that many teachers, parents and pupils are very proud of her.

“The bairns have done fantastically well in racing around the park. It is wonderful to see these youngsters do something to help those who may be in desperate need. I very much hope that they continue to do generous deeds and encourage people in Inverurie to consider others.”

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.