High school pupils host fundraising week for UHNM Charity

Pupils from Orme Academy in Newcastle-under-Lyme have raised more than £350 for its local hospital charity by hosting a fundraising week.

UHNM Charity, which supports both Royal Stoke University Hospital and County Hospital Stafford, was their chosen charity when they learned that their teacher, Stephanie Wood, was diagnosed in October 2023 with Melanoma Cancer. After noticing changes to her moles, Stephanie received treatment at Royal Stoke and pupils at the school wanted to show their appreciation for the care she had received. 

The funds were raised by holding a wide range of fundraising events, including a bake and sweet jar sale, a sports tournament, Christmas jumper day and a stock and sponge game.

Izzy Mear, aged 16, and the school’s charity lead, said: “We chose UHMN Charity after speaking to Miss Wood about her experiences there, and we all thought it would be a great way to say thank you to the charity for all the work they do to improve patient care. 

“We wanted to raise as much money as possible, and I am really proud of everyone getting involved and how much we have raised; it was hard work to organise but really worth it, and I am so pleased we can help UHNM Charity.”

Stephanie added: “This is the first year our prefect team have had a designated charity fundraising team. Each term Izzy and her team work with different local and national charities who have links to us and try and make a difference by giving something back.

“UHNM is a fabulous charity, and I am so proud of our pupils and the money they have raised. The money raised is a symbol of the dedication and generosity of our pupils.”