Trust says thanks to everyone who took part in Blue Day

PEOPLE in Portsmouth should be celebrating their Blue Day achievements.
(L-r) Julie Brooks, Terri Corke, Phil Beal, Debbie Lewington, Ollie Knight and Emma Lamkin from SSE in Havant(L-r) Julie Brooks, Terri Corke, Phil Beal, Debbie Lewington, Ollie Knight and Emma Lamkin from SSE in Havant
(L-r) Julie Brooks, Terri Corke, Phil Beal, Debbie Lewington, Ollie Knight and Emma Lamkin from SSE in Havant

That is the message from the Prince family as the 10th Blue Day was held yesterday.

Schools and businesses throughout the area wore blue to raise money for the Tom Prince Cancer Trust.

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And the family of Tom have said thank you to everyone who took part.

Tom’s dad Clinton said: ‘I want to say a massive thank you to everyone. It’s fantastic to see the support that we have got across the city.

‘It’s a fantastic statement from the people of Portsmouth. It’s something that they believe in.’

Clinton added: ‘When our family went through it, we felt like we were on our own and there was nobody else out there fundraising for this particular type of cancer. It’s so rare.

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‘Now, the people of Portsmouth aren’t far short of raising £1m. People in Portsmouth should celebrate their achievement.’

In Southsea, children at Meon Junior School enjoyed blueberry muffins as well as wearing blue.

Headteacher Luke Hanna said: ‘We like to support Blue Day because it’s a local charity and it’s very close to the hearts of the children.

‘It’s very important to be raising money for causes that are helping children for the future.’

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Pupil George Morley, 11, added: ‘It’s for a good cause. I like taking part in Blue Day.’

Students at Moorings Way Infant School also had blueberry muffins. Children at the Milton school wore blue and learnt about the trust.

Rachel Thripp, Year 2 teacher, said: ‘It’s important for us as a school because it’s a local charity. There are so many charities that we can support but we feel that this is the important one. It’s nice that we do it every year.’

Pupil Maggie Frazer, seven, added: ‘It’s a really fun day because we got blueberry muffins and we got to learn a bit more about Tom Prince.

‘I like dressing in blue. It’s my favourite colour.’

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Elsewhere in the city, youngsters at Little Admirals Pre-School, in Copnor, had their faces painted.

They made blue biscuits and blue decorations.

Manager Leah Collins said: ‘We do it every year. The children love it. It’s a special day for them.’

Pupils at Cumberland Infant School also took part.

Deputy headteacher Becky Herbert said: ‘All our children dressed in blue and paid a donation. It would be a massive achievement to hit the £1m.’

Cottage Grove Primary School, in Southsea, joined in the Blue Day fun.

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Headteacher Polly Honeychurch said: ‘It’s nice for all the kids to take part and raise money for a great cause.’

Lots of Pompey blue was seen at Purbrook Infant School with many of the pupils wearing the club’s kit.

Headteacher Cindy Clements said the children could relate to the charity because of its association with Pompey.

She said: ‘The children can relate to Blue Day because they know the club and they know what the money goes towards. They always make a real effort with it.

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‘It is an incredible charity and it is good to instil in the children that their contribution has made a difference.’

Many of the Tesco stores across the area took part in the day. Tesco Extra, in Havant, had balloons in the store and community champion Vanda French made blue pin bows to sell.

She said: ‘We like to support local charities and cancer is dear to everyone’s heart, especially when it is young people.’

‘We have made blue bows on pins to sell and they have been popular with customers.’

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The Tesco Express store on London Road, in Waterlooville, was taking part for the second year running. Store manager Claire Grafham said: ‘Having met the family last year we wanted to do Blue Day again.

‘We are doing a raffle and selling sweet treats all weekend to raise cash.’

Energy firm SSE, in Havant, signed up again this year. As well as dressing in blue, the company’s staff also sold cakes and held a raffle.

Debbie Lewington said: ‘We have always supported Blue Day and the staff like taking part. It is a great charity and we like to get involved.’

Additional reporting by Ruth Scammell and Jack Boulton