LOCAL HEADTEACHER GOES THE DISTANCE FOR LEEDS BASED CHILDREN’S CHARITY

Leeds based independent day school, The Alcuin School, has raised £800 for local children’s cancer charity Candlelighters. Staff and pupils pledged their donations to sponsor Alcuin headteacher, John Hipshon, who successfully completed this year’s London Marathon.

The charity is close to John’s heart after past pupil Abigail Langstaff was diagnosed with leukaemia during her time at the school. Abigail is currently receiving treatment at St James’s Hospital, where Candlelighters is based.

The children’s cancer charity was first established in 1971 by a group of local parents whose children were undergoing treatment at the Yorkshire paediatric oncology and haematology unit at St James’s Hospital. Candlelighters raise money to provide toys and leisure activities for patients, offers emotionalpalliative support for parents and relatives of those who have been affected by cancer and helps fund additional staff for the unit. Candlelighters also funds medical equipment and research facilities, including the Candlelighters laboratory dedicated to finding a cure for malignant childhood diseases.

Sally Amos, Secretary of theJOB TITLE at Candlelighters Trust, said: ‘I would like to thank the Alcuin School for their generous donation. John worked hard to run the marathon, and it’s great to see the children supporting our cause. The money raised will go towards supporting the daily upkeep of the unit and providing the children with entertainment activities.’

Throughout the academic year, the Alcuin School has generated cash totalling two thousand pounds for three chosen charities. Candlelighters, National Children’s Hospice and the charity Send a Cow, dedicated to working with farmers in Africa to overcome poverty and malnutrition by providing them with cows and other livestock, are all set to benefit from the school’s generosity.

John Hipshon, Head Teacher at Alcuin School, said: ‘We are happy to announce our efforts over the last year have led to a substantial donation to our three chosen charities. I am proud of all the pupils and others who pledged their support and I look forward to supporting these organisations again in the future.’