OA Portland raises over £4,000 in charity 5k run

The funds were raised for Teenage Cancer Trust in the name of former student

On Friday 4 November, 130 students and staff took part in the charity 5k run at Outwood Academy Portland, inspired by former student, Lulu Blundell.

Lulu, now 19, was first diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma when she was 15. Ewing’s sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that affects bones or the tissue around bones and mainly affects children and young people. Lulu underwent months of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and a lower limb amputation to treat the cancer and was given the news that she was cancer free in January 2020. Tragically, the cancer returned earlier this year and it is terminal, giving Lulu only months to live.

Jess Willey, PE Teacher at Outwood Academy Portland, who organised the charity run said:

“As a school we have been deeply moved by Lulu's courageous journey and inspirational fundraising. As a result, we feel the least we can do is to support her in continuing to raise money for Teenage Cancer Trust so that other teenagers like Lulu get the care and support they need too.”

The event has raised over £4,200 so far, which brings Lulu’s ‘patient fund’, the total amount of money raised in her name, to over £75,000. Once all sponsorship money and donations have been collected, the school hopes to have a final total of around £5,000.

All donations have funded patient services, specialist nurses and support staff at Sheffield Weston Park, a facility where Lulu continues to be supported. The fundraising means that other young people who have been diagnosed or who are going through their own cancer journey, receive the treatment, environment, support and care they deserve.

The Young Person’s unit at Sheffield Weston Park Hospital is designed for 16 – 24 year olds and has five in-patient beds. All bedrooms are equipped with comfy, home from home essentials and provide laptops and free WiFi, keeping patients connected to friends and family 24/7.

Before her diagnosis, Lulu was a keen rugby player, playing for Sheffield Swans. In September this year, Lulu herself ran a 5k which took place at Sheffield Tigers RUFC, also raising funds for Teenage Cancer Trust.

Carolyn Blundell, Lulu’s mum and Associate Executive Principal at Outwood Grange Academies Trust said:

“During what has been a journey that I would wish on no one, seeing some good come from it gives at least a little comfort.

“The Teenage Cancer Trust does amazing work for teenagers and young adults who are diagnosed with cancer. A disease that should never be inflicted upon the young.”

To donate to Teenage Cancer Trust in Lulu’s name, please visit the Outwood Academy Portland 5k JustGiving page using the button below.