Students at Albion Academy School in Lower Broughton have helped raise over £1,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support in aid of staff member Jackie Cuddy.
Pastoral manager Jackie, 52, has ampullary cancer, an extremely rare and agressive form of the disease.
But pupils heard about Jackie’s plight and decided to step in to help.
Albion Academy Principal Jenny Langley said: “They came up with a fundraising idea, collected a book of good wishes for Ms Cuddy and made very sure they had done all they could to let her know they care and wanted to help.
“Students at Albion Academy have a very strong community sense and they have put that to good use.
“We are all very proud of them!”
To raise the money, the academy held a Race for Life, Year 7 pupils carried out a sponsored silence, while the Year 11s took part in a raffle which Jackie says they could have sold out twice over.
She is looked after by her family at her home in Prestwich and working at the school for 14 years.
Jackie said: “I’m blown over with the support – I’m on such a high right now and I’m feeling very proud.
“I am ‘buzzing’, as the kids would say.
“I’d like to thank the Principal Jenny Langley who has encouraged staff and pupils to get on board.”
The tally rose further when ex-Albion pupil Angel Gomes, an up-and-coming star at Manchester United’s football academy joined in with the donations.
Gomes, 15, donated a signed match ball which delighted Albion Academy School’s youngsters.
The real heroes of the story are the pupils, according to Jackie, who said: “Kids have such a heart when something like this happens – they are the heart of the Albion Academy.
“I class them as my second family – the support I’ve had during this has really helped speed up my recovery.”
Main image: Jackie with Angel Gomes
