For a brighter future...
A sky diving teacher and a week of school fundraising events has raised over £3,000 for the Cystinosis Foundation UK!
After hearing how several members of one of her student’s families has Cystinosis, teaching assistant Di Lakin decided to support the family by helping to raise money for the Cystinosis Foundation UK. First up was a sky dive for Di and her daughter, Nicola (pictured right), followed by a full week of fundraising events at Di’s school, Derby Moor Community Sports College.
"I had only heard of this rare disease recently whilst supporting a student at my school, and to whom I have become close. " explains Di. "I am now aware of how seriously ill sufferers can become, but am heartened by the strength endured by himself and his family."
The successful sky dive, that took place on 10th April 2011, involved Di and Nicola free-falling from 12,000ft at 120mph for 50 seconds, until the parachute opened, bringing them safely to the ground a further 2 minutes later.
The whole experience was fully paid for by Di and Nicola so that all of the £1,200 sponsorship money they raised would go direct to the Foundation. Di describes the experience as a beautiful day that she will not forget.
During the rest of the week, students and staff at Derby Moor Community Sports College took part in various fundraising activities around the school, including a charity concert where students of all ages performed a variety of musical acts, lunch time cake sales, book sales, quizzes, name the teddy, sweets in the jar, tombola, and a raffle with all prizes donated by staff and local companies.
"We have raised over £3,000 for the Cystinosis Foundation UK and would like to thank everyone who has helped and supported us including Tesco, Asda, Derby County FC, Assembly Rooms, Hallmark Cards Littleover, Highfields Newsagents, Kieran Mullins and RollerWorld for their donations" says Di.
A few weeks after all the school’s activities, David Benford, Foundation trustee and who has a daughter with Cystinosis, visited Derby Moor to be presented with a cheque for over £3,000. This gave David an opportunity to thank Di, Nicola and all those at Derby Moor for their fundraising efforts, as well as explain a little more about Cystinosis and how the Foundation is working to improve the quality of life of those with the condition, primarily through medical research.
"When I arrived there were a dozen or so staff to greet me, along with coffee and cakes" says David. "They made me feel very special and I was really touched by everyone’s kindness and support."
