CHILDREN at Green Lane School, in Barnard Castle, took part in an entertaining colour run as part of their end of year celebrations last week.
After an initial warm up in the school playground with teachers dressed in pink tutus, each class bubble completed one lap of the school field where colour sentries were positioned.
Head teacher Rob Goffee, and deputy head teacher Nic Linsley, were stationed on the finish line and gave runners one last blast as they crossed the line.
The school has had run several charity colour runs in the past, raising money for Cancer Research, but this year Mr Goffee invited parents to make donations to the online fundraising for pupil Abigail Ford, who was diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma two months ago.
The plucky eight-year-old, who is undergoing an intensive and long-term treatment plan, has been isolating at home with her family due to her compromised immune system. However, Abigail, accompanied by her parents, Helen and Ben, and older sister Isabelle, returned to school to cheer on classmates at a distance during the afternoon.
Mr Goffee said: “We asked parents this time if they want to make a donation to Abigail’s fundraising campaign, that would be great.”
Mrs Ford said: “We have been in constant communication with the school and her classmates made her a lovely handmade card, full of really cheesy dad jokes, which she loves and it has her in fits of laughter.”
People in town have rallied around the family since the news of Abigail’s diagnosis and are trying to raise as much money as possible to support the family.
A gofundme page, set up by family friend Rebecca Gatenby, has already seen more than £1,000 donated and tickets for a prize raffle, organised by the town’s Workingmen’s Club are in demand. The raffle, with prizes donated from local businesses and people, will be drawn on August 1. The family have also been given a special high-backed car seat by Teesdale charity The Clique to help with journeys to and from hospital. Mrs Ford added: “She loves the car seat and it really helps and allows her to rest comfortably.
For information on the Abigail appeal, visit www.gofundme.com/abbys-fight-against-neuroblastoma
