Lisneal pupils make reading worthwhile

This brings the total raised for the charity by the school in the last seven years to almost 60,000.

A cheque for 6500 was presented to Rachel Burgoyne, Schools Fundraiser for the Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children during assembly on Monday, November 29.

Pupils from the Junior School were challenged to read as many books as possible over a three week period and collected sponsorship for their efforts.

Mrs Elizabeth Mills, who organised the event, saidL "Read-On has become an important part of our fundraising at Lisneal thanks to the encouragement and support shown by parents, staff and the community. There are obvious benefits for our pupils in terms of improving literacy skills through reading intensely over a set period and by making this a fundraising event, it gives pupils an added sense of purpose. This year's event was particularly special to us, dedicated to the memory of one of our pupils, Jennifer Caldwell, who sadly lost her battle against cancer during the summer and it was great that several of Jenny's friends from the senior school chose to lend their support.

"It's frightening to imagine what it would be like to be given the news that your child has cancer, yet three children are diagnosed with this disease every week in Northern Ireland. Money raised from our Read-On helps make life a little easier for sick children and their families by providing practical, emotional and financial support."

One of the school's top fundraisers, Nicola Hill, who with her sister Kirsty has raised over 1,000 for the charity over the past three years.

"I think Read-On is a great idea. It's an easy way to raise lots of money to help children who would love to be able to come to school like us instead of having constant trips to the hospital for treatment. The money we raise helps put a smile on the faces of children who are very sick. It helps provide short holidays for them and their families to give them a break from hospitals and treatment. I quite enjoy reading anyway but reading for NICFC makes it worthwhile.," she said.

For Amy Holland from Year 12, this was her fourth Read-On: "I wanted to take part in this year's fund raiser for Jenny. Jenny really appreciated everything that was done to help her and her family when she was unwell and always wanted to give something back to the people who had been good to her, so this is my way of saying thanks on Jenny's behalf."

The NICFC also helps families of young people living with cancer by providing financial assistance towards home heating costs and travel expenses.

Rachel Burgoyne Schools and Youth Fundraiser for the NICFC enthused:"In the last seven years Lisneal College has raised a staggering 58,000 for the NICFC. It is thanks to the generosity and support of schools like Lisneal College that we are able to meet the needs of hundreds of families coming to terms with the devastating effects of a childhood cancer diagnosis. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the pupils, teachers and local community for their generosity over the years and also Mrs Elizabeth Mills for her enthusiasm and dedication in organising Read-On and making it such a huge success."