‘A wonderful event’ - School nears £70,000 fundraising milestone with 5k charity run

Abigail Nicholson

Published: 4:11 PM June 19, 2019 Updated: 8:09 PM October 10, 2020

Sir John Leman High School's ninth annual Leman 4 Life fundraising day. Picture: Neil Didsbury - Credit: Neil Didsbury

Students and staff at a sporty high school edged closer to raising £70,000 for good causes with a special event.

Sir John Leman High School's ninth annual Leman 4 Life fundraising day. Picture: Neil Didsbury - Credit: Neil Didsbury

The Leman 4 Life fundraiser has been held at the Sir John Leman School in Beccles since 2011 to raise money for Cancer Research UK and Kids and Teens Cancer Research.

This year's event, on Wednesday, June 19, saw determined pupils and staff return to the field to complete a 5k run along with a triathlon.

Last year's fundraising total added up to £7,566.39, making the total raised over the past five years £66,747.11.

Donna Harmer, one of the staff behind the event said: "Students and staff alike joined in the event dressed in fancy dress - from bananas to dinosaurs, glitter and face paint.

Sir John Leman High School's ninth annual Leman 4 Life fundraising day. Picture: Neil Didsbury - Credit: Neil Didsbury

You may also want to watch:

"It was a truly wonderful event with many inspiring performances. Well done to all involved."

Organised in conjunction with Beccles Friends of Cancer Research UK and Bungay Black Dog Runners, the main aim of the day is to break through the £70,000 fundraising barrier.

Rosie Riches, from Beccles Friends of Cancer Research, said: "Cancer is happening right now, which is why we're taking part in Leman 4 Life to raise money, save lives and beat cancer sooner."

Thousands of pupils, from Year 7 to Year 13, took part in the event with many children wearing 'dedication slips' bearing messages of love for those they know affected by the disease.

Sir John Leman High School's ninth annual Leman 4 Life fundraising day. Picture: Neil Didsbury - Credit: Neil Didsbury

They could choose if they wanted to competitively run, jog or walk around the circuit.

The winner of the race, Oscar Storey, 16, who finished in 19 minutes and 10 seconds, said: "I did the race last year and won, it was great to come back and do it again.

"There are people with cancer in my family, it was great to do something for them and raise money for a good cause."

A group of 6th formers and staff went the 'extra mile' and took part in a 'Triathlon for Life' combining a swim, cycle ride and ending up on the school field with the other pupils.

Sir John Leman High School's ninth annual Leman 4 Life fundraising day. Picture: Neil Didsbury - Credit: Neil Didsbury

To donate to Sir John Leman High School go to their fundraising page: www.fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/sir-john-leman-high-school-1

Sir John Leman High School's ninth annual Leman 4 Life fundraising day. Pictured: Bethany Bullard, 16 & Louisa Thompson 16. Picture: Neil Didsbury - Credit: Neil Didsbury

Sir John Leman High School's ninth annual Leman 4 Life fundraising day. Picture: Neil Didsbury - Credit: Neil Didsbury

Sir John Leman High School's ninth annual Leman 4 Life fundraising day. Pictured: Jen Dobson and Emma Wong. Picture: Neil Didsbury - Credit: Neil Didsbury