A group of schoolchildren at Wakefield Grammar School Foundation have raised almost £7000 to support Leeds Children’s Hospital after one of their pupils was treated for cancer earlier this year.

Harry was just seven years old when he was diagnosed with a brain tumour in August 2023, turning his family’s world upside-down. He went through a period of sickness and then experienced double vision whilst on holiday with his family. Harry’s parents, who are both doctors, recognised the warning signs and rushed him to an optician, who then referred him for an urgent scan at Leeds Children’s Hospital.

Harry was admitted for emergency surgery and then spent months as an inpatient at Leeds Children’s Hospital on both the neurology & oncology wards, to try and treat his tumour.

Harry’s mum Lisa said “During that time in hospital, Harry’s school were just amazing. All the staff were so supportive and Harry’s friends just wanted to know what they could do to help. We received such brilliant care from the hospital, especially the Play Team, so we really wanted to give something back and support the charity.’

The schools at Wakefield Grammar Foundation rallied together, choosing Leeds Hospitals Charity as their charity partner and raised exactly £6,779 through events such as a sponsored Santa dash, a fundraising disco and an auction. One of Harry’s friends, Isobel Paige, set herself an individual target of raising £1000 to support Harry, which she achieved through raffles and bake sales.

Headteacher at the Pre-Prep School Emma Gill also took on a sponsored abseil for the charity. She said the enthusiasm of the pupils wasn’t surprising. “Harry is a much-loved pupil at the school and when he became unwell, it was a huge shock but his friends wanted to do whatever they could to help the hospital caring for him. It’s absolutely brilliant that they’ve managed to raise this much money, and to know it will go towards helping other poorly children, just like Harry, is fantastic.”

The money raised by the school will contribute towards the Leeds Hospitals Charity ‘7 days of play appeal’, raising funds to support the play team at Leeds Children’s Hospital.

Harry, who’s now back at school after his chemotherapy ended in March this year, said “What happened to me could happen to any child, so it’s really important that the hospital can be there to help all children. I’m incredibly proud of my friends for their fundraising efforts and feel so lucky to be back at school with them.”