A Staffordshire primary school has marked the end of term in a very special way, hosting their very own Colour Run to raise funds in support of one of their pupils.
Five-year-old Harrison, who attends Pirehill First School in Stone, was born with the rare genetic condition, Alagille syndrome, and is currently on the waiting list for a liver transplant. Harrison’s parents have received information and support from Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (now Liver UK) ever since his diagnosis, so his schoolmates and teachers decided to show their support by fundraising for the charity which means so much to them.
“We know that Harrison’s condition presents many difficulties but despite this he is always a smiling, happy member of our school,” said Head Teacher, Kerri Fenton. “A Colour Run seemed the perfect fundraiser because Harrison really does bring the colour into every day and we thought it would be a fun event which everyone could join in to celebrate the end of the school year.”
The event on July 16th certainly proved popular as 234 pupils took to the school field for the run, while teachers took aim with the powder paint! The result – some very colourful excited children and £1,220 raised for Liver UK.
“It was a wonderful afternoon”, said Harrison’s mum, Kirsty Sinclair. “Harrison loves school and the staff at Pirehill have always been very understanding and accommodating of his condition. To have the whole school fundraise for a cause so close to our hearts really means a lot to us and the fact that everyone had such fun doing so is a real bonus!”
“Living with a rare liver disease can be an isolating experience for a young family so a supportive school environment makes a real difference,” added Michelle Wilkins, Head of Children and Families Service at Liver UK, who have provided Harrison’s family with information and support since his diagnosis. “The funds which Harrison’s teachers and schoolfriends have raised on the Colour Run will enable us to continue to help families around the UK affected by childhood liver disease and we are truly grateful.”
