Schoolchildren put their caps on for fundraiser (From Bucks Free Press)

Schoolchildren put their caps on for fundraiser

10:21am Tuesday 17th February 2009 in Search By Neil Phillips

SCHOOLCHILDREN in Prestwood threw their uniform rules away last week in a bid to raise money for International Childhood Cancer Day.

Prestwood Infant and Junior schools took part in the Caps 4 Kids appeal, organised by Elaine Ball, chairman of the Thomas Ball Children's Cancer Fund, which is based in the village.

Every pupil who wore a cap to school donated £1 to charity.All funds raised will go toward research into neuroblastoma, which is the form of cancer Thomas Ball battled.

Other schools in Bucks, such as Denham Village Infant School, Haydon Abbey Combined School in Aylesbury and Aylesbury High School also took part.

Elaine, who visited the Prestwood schools, said: “It was brilliant. I could hear all the kids – they were wanting to know why they were wearing a cap. I could hear lots of parents chatting to their children trying to explain the story of Thomas. I thought that was great.”

Thomas launched the charity ten years ago, but died from the disease in 2003, at the age of 14.

The charity raises money to send children suffering from cancer on holiday, and also to a retreat where they can enjoy time with their family and loved ones.

Elaine added she hoped more schools would join up to the day next year, and wanted to turn it into a regular charity event.

The amount raised by Friday's event has not yet been confirmed.