Pupils step forward to show their support

HUNDREDS of students from Oasis Academy Oldham swapped their pencils and books for walking boots as they took part in their annual sponsored walk in aid of charity.

The walk around the school grounds, organised by staff and students, raised £1,081, with the money split between three charities, including Dr Kershaw’s Hospice.

Hope, the hospice bear, visited to congratulate students with high fives and bear hugs at the finish line.

Dr Kershaw’s community fund-raiser Arron Cheshire said: “While everyone involved did a fantastic job, we would really like to highlight and thank the students that raised the most money — Ann-Marie Hayes, Sophie Anderson, Christopher Tirone, Luke Clayton and Owen Hanson.

“Without this kind of support from the schools and colleges in Oldham, along with all of our other supporters, the hospice would not be able to provide the high standards of specialist palliative care that we pride ourselves on, free of charge.”

The Mozambique Appeal and Regain, which helps improve the independence of those severely injured through sports or leisure activities, will also receive a share.