A SOLIHULL Secondary School is adding Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life to the timetable for one day only in memory of ‘much-loved former PE teacher Sharon Cooke who dies in November.
Langley Secondary School is hosting a special event on the school’s playing fields on Friday June 9 as part of Race for Life’s schools programme.
Pupils from Year 7 to 10 will be joining forces with the PE department and the school council to take on cancer and walk, jog or run 5k in aid of Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work and in memory of Mrs Cooke.
A spokesperson for the school said: “Mrs Cooke, who lost her very short, tragic battle with cancer back in November 2016, was a much loved teacher of PE and Head of Year at Langley for a number of years.
“Her passion and enthusiasm for PE and life in general is deeply missed and is something that will never be forgotten.
“The pupils and PE staff were extremely keen to do something to raise money in her memory and this seemed like the perfect thing.”
To help the pupils prepare, the teachers and school council members have been using a schools’ resource kit specially created by the charity which includes everything needed to stage the event as well as an assembly plan and top fundraising tips.
Esther Slater, PE teacher and organiser of the event at Langley School, added: “Race for Life is a great addition to the school timetable. We’re really looking forward to taking part and have been training during lunchtimes and PE lessons.
“The whole school is supporting the event so it will be a real team effort and a great afternoon out of the classroom for pupils and staff, all whilst raising money for an important cause.
“Sadly, most of us know someone who has been touched by cancer and we all have our special reasons for taking part and wanting to help more people survive. Mrs Cooke was a very valued member of staff here at Langley and this is a great way for all of us to remember her.”
Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, is an inspiring series of events which raises millions of pounds every year to help fund vital research.
Schools across the UK are being invited to hold their own Race for Life events in aid of the charity.
They can choose a day that fits with the term calendar and pick a distance which suits the age and abilities of all pupils.
Emily Smith, Head of Events Marketing for Cancer Research UK, said: “Race for Life Schools is a fantastic way to have fun, get fit and save lives.
“Young people today are the generation who could see ground-breaking treatments for cancer in their lifetime.
“They will be the researchers and lifesavers of tomorrow. But first, we need them to be the fundraisers of today – and walk, jog and run to help beat cancer sooner.”
