North Independent Secondary School of the Year 2020 North Independent Secondary School of the Year 2021 North Independent Secondary School of the Year 2021

News

Archives

Pupils, parents and friends put best foot forward for charity

Monday 2 July 2012

Pupils at The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) entered feet first into a major fundraising effort at the weekend with a sponsored walk for two charities of their own choosing.

GSAL students nominated Teenage Cancer Trust and Variety, the Children’s Charity, as the beneficiaries of their sponsored walk in tribute to fellow pupil Jacob Ziff, Year 10, who is in remission and just over a year through a treatment programme of three years for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

Following an assembly at which Jacob and his father Edward spoke to pupils, and many pre-event fundraising activities, around 750 walkers were recruited for the sponsored walk on Sunday 1 July, starting at GSAL’s Alwoodley Gates campus and taking in the picturesque scenery of the Harewood Estate and Eccup Reservoir.

Setting the pace was former Olympian and British record holder for the 20km walk Ian McCombie, who is pictured (centre) stepping out with the Dahlgreen family, Nick, James, Harry and Judith.

Lower sixth student Daisy Wiggins said, “I wanted to do the walk because it is such a good cause, and a great way to finish for the summer holidays,” while her mum Sarah Lewis added, “It is a fantastic community initiative. Daisy was very moved after the assembly with Jacob and his father and we were keen to support the fundraising as a family.”

Abby Batchelor, Regional Fundraiser for Teenage Cancer Trust, said, “The funds from this walk will be of vital benefit to our specialist Teenage Cancer Trust units in Leeds. We are so grateful to all the volunteers without whom it would be impossible to mount such a well organised event.”

With sponsorship money still coming in the grand total won’t be known until the end of term, however £3,070 had already been raised before anyone even pulled on their walking boots. The fundraising page remains open for donations.

« All stories

Or, if you prefer to chat to someone please call our admissions team. For Senior School call 0113 228 5121 and for Primary School call 0113 228 5113.