By Leicester Mercury | Posted June 20, 2012
Hundreds of pupils at a school are running for cancer charities this week.
Pupils at Gartree High, in Oadby, are completing one, two, three, and five-kilometre runs in their PE lessons as part of a biennial charity event.
They are hoping to smash their 2010 fund-raising total of £6,500, which was divided between Leicester Royal Infirmary, Loughborough children's hospice Rainbows, and Groby Road hospice LOROS.
PE teacher Paula Molloy has helped organise this year's event and held special assemblies to raise awareness of cancer treatments and research.
Once sponsorship money is in it will be split between four cancer charities which pupils have yet to decide on.
She said: "The assemblies helped to explain why it's important we raise money for good causes and what the cash will go towards.
"I think they really hit home and it's given students a determination and enthusiasm to raise as much as they can.
"There's a great atmosphere about the school and everyone's just getting stuck in and enjoying themselves.
"I'm pretty confident we can beat the amount of cash raised in 2010, but every penny we get will be a bonus."
T-shirts have also been created by pupils, with the slogan Gartree Run for Life 2012, and some students have written poems about their experiences of the disease and what it might be like to live with it.
Mrs Molloy said: "Staff are joining in, including myself, although I'm walking as I'm five months pregnant, and we have some parents coming to take part. It's just a great community event.
Ella Turner, 14, took part in an assembly to help raise awareness.
She said: "I feel I made a big impact on people after our assembly.
"We've made others sit down and listen. It feels amazing to be part of such a great cause."
Holly Riley, 13, said: "It makes me proud to be part of our Run For Life, knowing everyone will take part and raise lots of money for charities. I hope we can make a difference."
Hannah Bayliss, 14, said: "It's fantastic to raise money for such worthy causes.
"Our assembly had such an impact that it made me really proud to be part of it."
