Walsall pupil raises £2,236 for Macmillan over two years

Students and staff at New Invention Learning Academy are celebrating another successful charity race after raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support in Walsall.

The annual event has become a fixture in the school calendar, raising thousands of pounds for the charity over the years.

One pupil, Harian, made a particularly impressive contribution by beating his own fundraising record.

After raising £1,008 during last year’s race, Harian collected £1,228 in sponsorship this year, taking his total over the two events to £2,236.

Harian said: “I wanted to do it was because it’s for a good cause and it can save people's lives. Both my grandfather's had cancer, so it meant a lot to do this race. A lot of people helped me to raise this much money. It’s all to help people with cancer to get better and get the support they need.”

The annual race sees pupils of all ages take to the track and complete laps in return for sponsorship, combining fitness and team spirit with fundraising.

The money raised goes to the local Walsall branch of Macmillan, supporting people and families affected by cancer across the borough.

Headteacher Alan Pearson praised pupils, parents, carers and staff for their support.

He said: “At N.I.L.A. kindness is a central ethos, and thinking about others as citizens is key. The parents, carers and pupils are always kind and supportive of the school and all our fundraising efforts and, along with the hardworking staff at New Invention Learning Academy, they need to be celebrated.

“A big thank you for giving and thinking of others when the cost of living is difficult and families are struggling themselves.”

The school hopes to continue its annual race and support Macmillan again next summer.