Race for Life held in memory of Formby schoolgirl is a huge success

Merefield School held a Race for Life in memory of pupil Cerys Loughlin

A Race for Life has been held in memory of a much-loved Formby schoolgirl.

Cerys Loughlin was a pupil at Merefield School, Birkdale , for three years and lost her battle with the disease in September 2014, aged 16.

In July, staff and pupils held their very own Race for Life in memory of Cerys, raising over £1,000 for Cancer Research.

Head of Learning for the upper school Jo Ashcroft said: “It was a wonderful day with all pupils taking part in the 1.5 mile route.

Merefield school held a Race for Life in memory of Formby schoolgirl Cerys Loughlin. Photo by Merefield School.

“Lots of families joined us on the day and everyone took part in a warm-up and a one minute cheer to remember Cerys.”

Earlier this year, staff at Merefield completed a Race for Life just as Cerys and raised £1,500 for Cancer Research.

However, after watching their teachers take part in the event, Merefield pupils were eager to join their teachers and do something positive in memory of Cerys.

Jess Bolton, a teacher at the school, said: “Our pupils were keen to get involved alongside staff and raise some money for charity, so this year we decided to set up our own Race within the school grounds.”

Merefield school held a Race for Life in memory of Formby schoolgirl Cerys Loughlin. Photo by Merefield School.

This is the first year the race has been held in memory of Cerys and following the support received for July’s Race for Life, Merefield is now looking into making it an annual fundraising event held at the school.

Jess said: “We wanted to do something in honour of Cerys, and all the staff agreed that doing this would be a really lovely tribute to her.

“We would like to do it annually with staff members and the children taking part in it together.”

Story and photo source: Southport Visiter