Friday 15 June 2012 Inspired by a classmate’s courage in the face of a serious medical diagnosis, pupils at the Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) are preparing to step out for charities that care for sick and disadvantaged young people. 15 year old Jacob Ziff, in remission and just over a year through a treatment programme of 3 years for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, led a recent recruitment drive for GSAL’s sponsored walk in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust and Variety, the Children’s Charity. At Jacob’s side was Ronnie the Rhino who had popped in from his Headingley home to lend a hoof with the fundraising effort. Jacob said, “I am really thrilled about GSAL’s Charity Walk raising money for disadvantaged and unwell children, causes that matter very much to me. I have been a beneficiary of the great work that Teenage Cancer Trust do over the last 12 months since my diagnosis and through their efforts my time in hospital has been made much more comfortable than it otherwise might have been. “I want to encourage all my friends and fellow pupils to rise to the challenge and raise as much money as possible for these wonderful causes. I wish them good luck in their fundraising efforts.” Abby Batchelor, Regional Fundraiser for Teenage Cancer Trust, said, “It is fantastic to see the whole school getting behind it, with pupils of all ages, their families and teachers signing up for the walk and joining in the pre-event fundraising. We really appreciate this support and the funds raised will help us to provide vital support to our two specialist Teenage Cancer Trust units in Leeds, including at the LGI where Jacob received care.” Ian Leach, Chairman of Variety Yorkshire, said, “We are delighted to be chosen as a beneficiary of this event which will help us to provide essential support for the region’s most needy sick, disadvantaged and disabled children. Importantly, the money raised will be spent in Yorkshire on specialist equipment and helping children improve their lives. We would like to express our sincere thanks to everyone involved and look forward to what will undoubtedly be a fantastic day out for everyone!” The walk is on 1 July, from 9.00am. Open to all and free to enter, there is a choice of two routes (10km or 20km) starting at GSAL’s Alwoodley Gates campus and taking in the picturesque scenery of the Harewood Estate and Eccup Reservoir. Find out more and enter online General Senior School News
