AN INSPIRATIONAL teenager has organised a 10-hour pool marathon to help raise money towards sending a young leukaemia sufferer on the trip of a lifetime.
Elli Hayward-Love, 16, was unable to attend a bingo night which was held at Thomas Clarkson Community College in Wisbech last month to raise money for Shannon Foster, 11.
Staff at the brave youngster’s school are determined to give her a holiday to remember and now Elli has offered to help their fundraising efforts.
The selfless teenager, who has earned a Kids Are Alright Challenge nomination for her efforts, said: “We’ve all heard about Shannon’s illness and everyone think she’s so brave.
“When I realised I couldn’t go to the bingo night because I was playing pool I decided to help in my own way. I love playing pool and it seems a fun way to raise money for Shannon while enjoying ourselves.”
The pool marathon is being held at The Venue in Wisbech where Elli and her Venue B team-mates Kieran Roach, Jesse Verrier and Lance White - who are also helping organise the event - play competitive matches.
Faith Howland, the school’s assistant librarian, said: “Elli came to see me to ask for some help and I said I’d do what I could to support and guide her along, as did Mr Morris.
“I think Elli’s amazing, they all are actually. For them to do this with only four weeks left before they leave the school is fantastic.
“To do something for one of the younger students which will help them after they’ve gone shows our school’s community spirit. We look after our own here and I’m so proud of them.”
Participants will have to obtain sponsorship to take part in the event which begins at noon on June 2. For more information about the pool marathon ask for Betty at The Venue or Elli on a Wednesday and Sunday.
• Kind-hearted Elli’s fundraising efforts have seen her become the third Kids Are Alright Challenge nomination for May, joining the young leaders of Fenland Arts Youth Theatre and Chatteris Under-11 Girls football team in contention for the monthly prize.
To nominate a young person for the Kids Are Alright Challenge 2011 fill in the form on our website or e-mail your nomination to robert.setchell@archant.co.uk
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