A BOURNEMOUTH Academy is hosting a special event on the school’s playing fields later this month as part of the Race for Life Schools programme.

Kinson Academy is joining the fight against cancer on Thursday, May 27 by running their own Race for Life.

Around 235 pupils, aged from seven to 11, and staff will take part in the event to raise money for life-saving research.

To help the pupils prepare, teachers have been using a resource kit created by the Cancer Research UK, which includes everything they need to hold their own Race for Life Schools event, such as fundraising tips, posters and medals for every pupil taking part.

Principal at Kinson Academy, Michele Lawson said: "Race for Life is a great addition to the school timetable. We are really looking forward to taking part. The event is made extra special as the whole school is supporting the event in memory of one of our Governors, Nigel Tiller, who sadly passed away from kidney cancer in February.

"Nigel was a huge supporter, not only of the school, but of the local community itself. Nigel had committed his support over the past 25 years, so it will be a real team effort and a great day for pupils and staff to have this event to remember Nigel and all of the good he did, whilst raising money for an important cause.

"Sadly, most of us know someone who has been touched by cancer and we all have our special reasons for taking part and wanting to help more people survive."

The academy's event will be staged in line with official guidance for schools amid the Covid-19 outbreak.

Head of Events Marketing for Cancer Research UK, Sarah Pickersgill said: "Organising a Race for Life Schools event is a fantastic way for schools to have fun, whilst raising money for a good cause.

"One in two people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some stage in their lives. But the good news is, thanks to research, more people are surviving the disease now than ever before.

"The money raised by Kinson Academy will help our scientists find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, helping to save more lives. So, we thank all the pupils, parents and teachers for their vital support."