An Altrincham primary school has raised over £1,000 to help scientists get back on their feet after the fire at the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute.
Youngsters from St Vincent’s Catholic Primary School know all about the research taking place at the south Manchester centre – which is next door to The Christie Hospital –
as they have heard talks by Dr James O’Connor, whose children attend the school.
After hearing about the fire, which broke out on April 26 and saw more than 100 firefighters tackle the blaze, the children decided to put on a cake sale to help fund a special appeal page put up by Cancer Research UK.
Headteacher Anita Harrop said: “St Vincent’s Catholic Primary School in Altrincham is committed to helping those in need.
“When the children heard about the fire at the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute they were determined to do something to help. A cake sale was organised and the children helped to sell the cakes throughout the day.
“Everyone was so generous with their cakes and everyone gave generously to this very worthy cause.”
Dr O’Connor, who attended the bake sale, is from Hale and grew up in Altrincham. He works in lung cancer research and is based at both the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute and The Christie Hospital.
His work looks at how imaging techniques can be used to improve treatment plans for lung cancer patients.
He said: “It was an incredibly thoughtful thing for the pupils to do to help me and my colleagues after the fire. I’d like to thank everyone from St Vincent’s for their fundraising.”
Visit the fundraising page to donate to the appeal.
