Hilton Primary Academy hosted a special event on the school’s playing fields on Friday 9 July and Wednesday 14 July as part of the Race for Life Schools programme.

Around 450 pupils, aged from 3 to 11-years-old, took part in races ranging from 1k – 10k to raise money for life-saving research. The event was staged in line with official guidance for schools during the COVID-19 outbreak.

To help the pupils prepare, teachers used a resource kit created by the Cancer Research UK which included everything they needed to hold their own Race for Life Schools event, such as fundraising tips, posters and medals for every pupil taking part.

The pupils at Hilton Primary Academy have raised a staggering £2182.50, exceeding their target of £1000!  And this number is still increasing.  If you would like to show your support for Cancer Research UK and Hilton Primary Academy, you can make a donation on their Cancer Research UK Giving Page at https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/hilton-primary-academy-1

Andrew Cowan, Principal at Hilton Primary Academy, said: “Race for Life is a great addition to the school timetable. We absolutely loved taking part. The whole school supported the event so it was a real team effort and a great day for pupils and staff, all whilst raising money for an important cause.

“Sadly, most of us know someone who has been affected by cancer and we all have our special reasons for taking part and wanting to help more people fight and win their battle with this dreadful disease.”

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.  The event can be on any day, at any place, and any distance that suits the age and abilities of all pupils.

Sarah Pickersgill, Head of Events Marketing for Cancer Research UK, said: “Organising a Race for Life Schools event is a fantastic way for schools to have fun, whilst raising money for a good cause. One in two people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some stage in their lives. But the good news is, thanks to research, more people are surviving the disease now than ever before.

“The money raised by Hilton Primary Academy will help our scientists find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, helping to save more lives. So, we thank all the pupils, parents and teachers for their vital support.”

The pandemic has caused a devastating loss of funding for cancer research. Following the cancellation of fundraising events like Race for Life, Cancer Research UK is expecting a staggering £160 million drop in income in the year ahead. As a result, the charity has made the difficult decision to cut £44 million in research funding.

For more information visit raceforlife.org/schools or call 0300 123 0770.