2004 | May | 19th - Swindon Advertiser

Teenagers' talent for raising cash

Kind hearted teenagers have shown a Swindon children's cancer charity the colour of their money.

Pupils at Warneford School in Highworth presented a cheque for £2,000 to CALM, the Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Movement.

Year 11 pupils organised, hosted and starred in a talent show, revealing a host of singing, dancing and comedic skills.

Alex Duffey, 16, who is on the school council committee, said the talent show had proved to be a big success.

"It was our first fundraising event for the school council so we are really pleased with how it went.

"We chose to support CALM because being young people ourselves we understand how important it is to support other children who have illnesses."

And the fundraising spirit was clearly infectious teacher Ian Caldwell, head of Year 11, dusted off his trainers and completed the Reading half marathon in March.

Mr Caldwell said: "It wasn't something I was planning to do. I only took part because of the fundraising but it has encouraged me to get fit.

"Now I hope to do another couple of half marathons.

"The children have done really well. They have been really up for helping CALM. Each year group picks a charity to support.We hope that by doing this they become more socially aware of others in the community, and how they can help those who are perhaps less fortunate."

CALM has been run since 1984 by Swindon families for other Swindon families. They offer support and understanding, and organise outings away from the hospital environment.

Charlie Jarvis, six, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a rare childhood cancer, in August 2001.

In 2002 Swindon people raised £100,000 to send Charlie to America for treatment, following an appeal publicised in the Evening Advertiser.

In September last year Charlie's left kidney was removed in a preventative operation and she had her last radiotherapy in December. She is now in remission and due a routine scan in July.

Charlie's parents Paul and Samantha, of Greenmeadow, joined CALM's committee last year.

Paul, 40, said: "When Charlie was diagnosed with cancer two-and-a-half years ago, CALM gave us great support, both emotionally and financially. We hope we can help other families who are faced with cancer, because we can draw on our experience."

CALM's 11th annual golf day will be held on Thursday June 24, at Wrag Barn Golf Course, in Highworth.

Entry is £220 for a team of four, to include morning coffee, lunch and evening buffet.