The School Council are lacing up their trainers for a Charity Run inspired by former CHS Teacher of English, Mrs Okonkwo.
Diagnosed with Stage 4 Triple Negative Breast Cancer, Mrs Okonkwo has been raising funds to receive a new treatment in America, which has prompted the Sixth Formers to step on their running shoes and raise money for The Christie whilst increasing awareness of cancer charities among their peers.
Organising their own Charity Run, on 19th December, the team of 5 Upper Sixth students will complete the 5km distance individually and socially distanced. Sponsors can make donations to their team GoFundMe page which will be announced on the School Council Twitter and School Council Instagram channels next week.
School Council member Joe said: “Mrs Okonkwo was a much-loved teacher at CHS and we wanted to do something to help support her and those like her who are suffering. We’re not all natural runners so it will be an athletic challenge, but mostly we want to do all we can to give something back in honour of one of our English teachers who has given so much of herself and her time to us.”
Mrs Okonkwo said: “I’m so unbelievably grateful to the students for everything they’re doing to help the cause. I’m overwhelmed by the kindness that has been shown to me and if nothing else, I need to stay alive long enough for my beautiful daughter, Ariela, to remember me.”
CHS Assistant Head (Sixth Form), Mr Michael Jones said: “It’s been heart-warming to see the Council’s determination to make a difference in what is a fantastic cause. Their compassion and altruism has stood out and I’ll be lacing up my running trainers as well on the morning of Saturday 19th December to support Katie and others like her too.”
The Charity Run is the latest activity in CHS School Council’s busy schedule of altruistic endeavours. Within the Council there is a dedicated altruism team who regularly drive new initiatives and create opportunities to help others; from fundraising and volunteering, to raising awareness of causes that are close to their hearts.
Best of luck to all the runners taking part!
