MEDAL WINNERS: All the students who ran the race received a medal for their efforts
MEDAL WINNERS: All the students who ran the race received a medal for their efforts

Academy kids run to raise money for fantastic cause

Hundreds of students from a Dewsbury secondary school have laced up their running shoes in the name of charity as they raised funds for Cancer Research UK.

Despite the hustle and bustle of exam season, teens from Thornhill Community Academy’s Years 7, 8 and 9 were eager to add a charity run to their packed timetable before the summer holidays commenced.

Earlier this month, they were able to do just that as the Race for Life 5k challenge arrived at the school.

Over 400 students in total took on the task of walking, jogging or running the distance, raising money for Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work.

Upon finishing the race, children were also presented with a medal to commend their efforts.

Head Teacher, Bev Matthews, praised the enthusiasm of all those involved who have so far raised hundreds of pounds.

“Today has been a real team effort and a great day for students and staff, whilst raising money for a seriously good cause,” she said.

“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.”

Five kilometres – or just over three miles – is an achievable distance for all ages and abilities.

£5 will kit one of our research labs out with essential chemicals, £8 kits out Cancer Research scientists with a lab timer, helping them to find out what makes a cancer cell tick and £30 covers the cost of a cervical cancer trial for one day.

The school are still asking for sponsorship from parents, students and friends of the academy as they aim to raise as much money as possible for Cancer Research UK.

You can sponsor the runners through their ‘Just Giving’ page: www.justgiving.com/TCA-21-06-2016