Staff from Holy Trinity School were out in force pounding the pavements of Cuckfield last month to raise £600 on behalf of a popular colleague.
The staff took part in ‘Race for Liz,’ to show their support for school secretary Liz Woods.
Liz, who has worked at the school for 22 years, was diagnosed with breast cancer in February this year and is currently undergoing chemotherapy. After hearing the news, teacher Sally Smitherman and Wendy Lawrence, who works in the school office, sprang into action, joining forces with Liz to organise the race around the village.
They were soon joined by 20 colleagues, including head teacher Jo Munn and former teacher Miesje Jenkins, all keen to join in and raise funds for breast cancer research. Also on the start line were Liz’s husband Richard and son Chris with his dog Pudsy. “They wanted to take part as they couldn’t join my daughter Claire and daughter-in-law Hayley in the women only Race for Life in Brighton’s Stanmer Park,” said Liz. She added that the Claire and Hayley completed the race and raised £610 for Cancer Research.
Setting off from the school, all wearing pink, the runners made their way to Whiteman’s Green where they were met by Liz who handed out jelly babies to supply energy for the route back!
The runners were also provided with bottles of water supplied by Wealden Stores in Whiteman’s Green.
“I was really touched when my colleagues suggested doing a ‘Race for Liz’, with all monies made going to Breakthrough for Breast Cancer,” said Liz who, along with husband Richard, is a former village Mayor. “Their support has been amazing!”
She added that the Independent State of Cuckfield also donated £100 to the fund.