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Gainsborough lad with brains tumour says ‘thanks’ to pals for fundraising
Trent Valley Academy pupil Thomas Smith was diagnosed with a brain tumour and wants to say thank you to his fellow students for their support G130205-2a
THOUGHTFUL youngsters from Gainsborough’s Trent Valley Academy have been thanked by the family of a fellow pupil for raising money after he was diagnosed with a brain tumour.
Year 11 Thomas Smith, 15, was diagnosed with a brain tumour back in December - just a day or two after his mother had been given the all-clear from cancer.
So shocked and upset were his friends and schoolmates that they clubbed together and did all that they could to raise nearly £1,000 for him.
“I was shocked, but really happy,” said Thomas.”
“It means the world because it shows how much they care. I just want to say a huge thank you, but I can’t thank them enough.”
Thomas’ family were also ‘greatly moved’ by the generosity and kind spirit of the pupils at TVA.
“All of the kids have been fantastic,” said Thomas’ father Stephen.
“They only found out in early December and just before Christmas they’d raised nearly £1,000 to get Thomas a Galaxy Note, gifts and money for travelling costs and overall expenses.”
“We’re so overwhelmed.”
He continued: “They did it all off their own backs - what they’ve done just seems totally unreal.”
“We just wanted to show the town what these kids can really do.”
Thomas’ mother Sarah added: “We are really grateful for what they have done.”
“It’s been a tough time for us all as a family, and to have this much support really means the world.”
Charlotte Rowland, 16, was one of the masterminds behind the fundraising.
“Thomas has been such a good friend and nice lad to us all, and it was such a huge shock when we heard the news,” she said.
“We went round with buckets and asked local businesses for raffle prizes and donations - and we’ve still got money coming in.”
She added: “We’re looking to raise some more money soon and give it to the Teenage Cancer Trust, because it’s such a good cause.”
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Weather for Gainsborough
Sunday 19 May 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 10 C to 18 C
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Wind direction: North
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