Family of Tom Prince take part in Blue Day for final £1m push

Schools and organisations across the Portsmouth area took part in the fundraising event for the Tom Prince Cancer Trust.

From selling cakes to holding raffles, yesterday’s Blue Day was full of activities to boost fundraising.

One school taking part was Miltoncross in Milton.

It is the first time it has been involved after student Amelia Miller, who is a cousin of Tom Prince, asked if it could sign up.

With the help of her tutor Helen King and her classmates, they created blue cupcakes to sell.

Year 8 student Amelia said: ‘It was really nice for the school to agree to take part.

‘It shows it wants to help the trust and support what it is looking to do.

‘It is great to raise the money and it means a lot. I think we are looking to raise £200, which from selling cakes is great.

‘The trust is so near that £1m, so every donation really helps.’

Science teacher Helen added: ‘We felt privileged that Amelia asked us to help raise money for the trust.

‘I was surprised that we had never taken part before.

‘It is such a great charity and we wanted to support it.

‘It is phenomenal to be part of this boost to get to the £1m target.’

Amelia’s father, who works at SMR Bathrooms, also took part in the day.

Paul Prince-Duffy and his colleagues at the Farlington business wore blue and also sold cakes.

They have taken part in Blue Day since it started.

Paul said: ‘The trust is very close to our hearts. My wife Alison was Tom’s cousin so we have always been supporters of Blue Day.

‘As well as selling blue cupcakes, we also had a potty mouth jar so anyone who swore had to put in 10p.’

He added: ‘Since we have been involved in the trust, it opens your eyes to what a wonderful city Portsmouth is.

‘It is a great place we live in. The money the trust has raised so far is all because of the incredible people of Portsmouth. It is just brilliant.’

The day was inspired by Pompey fan Tom, who died on the eve of his 16th birthday in 2004 from osteosarcoma – a rare form of bone cancer.

When Pompey reached the FA Cup semi-final in 2008, his parents Clinton and Adele decided to hold Blue Day.

Since starting the trust, it has been their aim to raise £1m. The total currently stand at £989,000.

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