DONATE HERE: Team Withernsea on Just Giving 

Eighteen staff members have signed up for the challenge of running Jane Tomlinson’s ‘Run for All’ Hull 10k on Sunday, 9th June. In doing so, they are hoping to raise vital funds for Macmillan Cancer Support – one of Britain’s largest charities whose purpose is to ‘do whatever it takes to support people living with cancer’.

 Reflecting on the impact of the charity’s support throughout her own cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment, a member of staff, who has asked to remain anonymous, said: “This is a charity which I hold very close to my heart. Macmillan have been there for me in every way possible through what continues to be a very challenging time.

“You hear the words ‘you have cancer’, and a numb feeling comes over you and the room feels silent. People are talking at you, but you don’t really hear what they are saying. All I do remember hearing was my Macmillan nurse, Claire, telling me that ‘we will beat this together’. It is a quote that has stayed with me as I knew from that point onwards, I would be supported through the journey I was about to face.

“From investigations, diagnosis, scans, treatments, surgeries and aftercare, Macmillan have been there every step of the way. Their staff truly go above and beyond their roles and have supported me and my family through it all - either in person, or on the end of the phone to answer any questions or worries we had. They have been a pillar of strength and support and I am eternally grateful to them and all who have got me to where I am today.

“I got my first diagnosis in May 2022, and my second in April 2023. It’s been a tough couple of years but thanks to everyone’s help and support, I’m getting there.”

After returning to work in September 2023, with the daily routine returning a semblance of much-needed normality, the woman shared with colleagues her desire to give something back to Macmillan to recognise the efforts of the “amazing team” who continue to support her.

While speaking to School Sports Coordinator and Teacher of PE, Nick Richmond, the idea was born to invite staff to participate in the Hull 10k as a means of raising funds for the charity. The idea soon caught momentum, with a mixed group of regular and non-regular runners signing up to help support the cause.  

Nick said: “Similar to countless other communities, members of our own school community have been in the situation where either themselves, friends or family members, have required the support and resources of Macmillan Cancer Support. This support remains priceless and we are all grateful for the high-quality care that is made available through this charity. Through our involvement in the Hull 10k, we are determined to give something back to the charity to support others who are facing their own battles. 

“We have been overwhelmed with the number of colleagues who have decided to join ‘Team Withernsea’ and complete this 10k with us. It really does mean a lot. We have staff from across the whole school taking part including teachers, members of the leadership team, and support and admin staff – it truly is a team effort.”

Meanwhile, a number of students are also backing Team Withernsea’s efforts with members of the school’s weekly running club signing up to run their own sponsored 10k around Withernsea on Thursday, 23rd May. With a core group of up to a dozen weekly runners, overall membership has reached almost thirty – making the club one of the school’s most popular extra-curricular activities.

Extending an invite to the rest of the student body, the club’s members hope to boost participation in their upcoming 10k by encouraging as many others to take part as possible.

Nick added: “Since its launch in September 2022, our running club has gone from strength-to-strength and I am proud of all those who participate either on a regular, or on an ad-hoc basis. It’s great to take exercise out of school and into the community. The club’s members are very much looking forward to the challenge of running their own 10k and, of course, helping to raise money for a very worthy cause. Although running independently from the staff taking part in the Hull 10k, we will run this together to help beat cancer together.”

Anyone wishing to donate to Team Withernsea’s efforts can do so by visiting Team Withernsea's 'Just Giving' page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/whs10k

Since its formation in 1911, the Macmillan Cancer Support Charity has grown to be the UK’s leading source of cancer support. They run public campaigns, build partnerships, and influence decision-makers on all cancer-related policies at UK-wide, national and local levels.

Macmillan provides services for people living with cancer at every stage of their cancer experience, including emotional, practical, physical, and financial support. As they are 98% funded by voluntary donations, fundraising is essential to make sure they can deliver the vital support needed by people living with cancer.

Contemporary data from the charity reveals the impact of donations, with £71 being all that is needed to help run their online support community for three hours – typically giving almost 200 people affected by cancer both emotional and practical support.

£646 secures a Macmillan Support Worker for a week, helping patients, family members and carers manage the social and practical problems of living with cancer, while £1202 pays for a Macmillan nurse for one week – helping people living with cancer, and their families, receive essential medical, practical and emotional support.

Learn more about Macmillan Cancer Support: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/

ABOVE: Members of ‘Team Withernsea’, comprising staff from across different departments of the school, will take on the Hull 10k to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

ABOVE: Not to be outdone, members of the school’s popular running club are inviting other students to join them on their own sponsored 10k around Withernsea.

ABOVE AND BELOW: Members of the school's popular running club in training for their 10k.