Boxing world champion Anthony Crolla went back to the classroom today to launch an Altrincham school’s sponsored walk for charity.
The Mancunian star, the current World Boxing Association lightweight champion, said a few motivational words at Wellington School in Timperley before firing the starting pistol and sending 1,350 students on their 10-mile sponsored walk in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust.
Staff and students hope to have raised in excess of £40,000 from the event which saw sixth formers take to the streets in fancy dress.
Now in its 19th year, the annual sponsored walk is the main fundraising event in the school’s calendar and results in a huge windfall for a local charity. Over £350,000 has been raised by students since its inception and this year’s choice of charity has a special poignancy for one student in particular.
This year, all members of the school council chose to support Teenage Cancer Trust following the first-hand experiences of Year 13 student, Laura McDonagh, who was diagnosed with cancer last summer and has received support from the charity.
Speaking at the school, Anthony said: “I have long been a supporter of the tremendous work undertaken by Teenage Cancer Trust and I am delighted to have been here to represent them. This has been a truly fantastic event.
“To see such an incredible turnout of pupils of all ages doing their bit to raise money for others is genuinely heart-warming, especially considering the bitterly cold conditions. Meeting Laura in particular has been inspirational.”
Headteacher Stuart Beeley said: “It has been fabulous to have someone as well-known as Anthony to start this year’s walk and it has really given the pupils a lift.
“As always, we are hopeful that we will raise at least as much money as last year. We are grateful that we are able to rely on the generosity of our students, their families and the local community to help us hit our target but we are confident we will get there. Teenage Cancer Trust is a cause close to our heart at Wellington and we are looking forward to making a significant contribution to their work.”
