Read On 2026: Wallace High School Pupils Raise £8,500 for Cancer Fund for Children

Wallace High School was once again delighted to take part in the Cancer Fund for Children Read On fundraising event. Read on to learn all about our pupils’ fantastic efforts!

Inspiring Generosity Through Reading

Key Stage Three pupils at Wallace High School have demonstrated outstanding generosity and community spirit by raising an impressive £8,500 in support of Cancer Fund for Children. The funds were raised through a week-long sponsored reading initiative, held during English lessons, which also aimed to promote literacy and a love of reading for pleasure.

The initiative, entitled Read On, encouraged pupils to immerse themselves in books throughout the school week while seeking sponsorship from family and friends. The event successfully combined academic enrichment with charitable giving, reinforcing the school’s commitment to both educational excellence and social responsibility.

Celebrating Effort, Empathy and Community Support

Head of English, Gillian Weir, expressed her pride in the pupils’ efforts and the wider school community’s involvement:

“I am delighted with the enthusiasm shown by our pupils and truly value the support of families in our long-standing connection with the charity. The initiative not only highlighted pupils’ dedication to reading but also showcased their willingness to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.”

The fundraising effort culminated in a special presentation event held at the launch of the school’s World Book Day celebrations. Ms Weir continued:

“It was wonderful to welcome Rebecca Oates from Cancer Fund for Children to our school assembly.”

This visit provided a valuable opportunity for younger pupils to learn more about the vital work carried out by the charity, including the exceptional support services offered at Daisy Lodge.

During the visit, pupils gained insight into how Cancer Fund for Children supports children and families affected by cancer, offering therapeutic short breaks, emotional support and a safe, nurturing environment for those navigating incredibly challenging circumstances. This helped pupils to fully appreciate the real-world impact of their fundraising efforts.

A Lasting Legacy of Literacy and Philanthropy

The Read On initiative also aligned with Wallace High School’s commitment to take part in the National Year of Reading, further emphasising the importance of literacy as a lifelong skill. By integrating reading with charitable action, the English Department successfully nurtured both a passion for literature and a deep sense of empathy and social awareness among pupils.

Ms Weir also extended her heartfelt thanks to the English teaching staff for their dedication in organising and delivering the initiative, commenting:

“It is fitting that we are following in the footsteps of our founder, Sir Richard Wallace, who was widely recognised for his altruism.”

This connection to the school’s heritage added further significance to the pupils’ achievements, linking their efforts to a long-standing tradition of philanthropy.

The success of the sponsored read highlights the powerful outcomes that can be achieved when education and community engagement come together. Pupils not only strengthened their reading habits and discovered new texts, but also contributed to a cause that supports children and families during times of serious illness.

Wallace High School continues to place strong emphasis on developing well-rounded young people who are both academically capable and socially conscious. Initiatives such as Read On 2026 exemplify how schools can inspire pupils to engage with learning in meaningful ways while making a tangible difference within their communities.

The £8,500 raised will go directly towards supporting the invaluable work of Cancer Fund for Children, helping to ensure that more families can access the care and support they need. Wallace High School looks forward to continuing its partnership with the charity and building on the success of this year’s initiative in the future.

You can keep up to date with all the latest news at Wallace via http://www.instagram.com/wallacehighlisburn

You can find out more about our other charitable endeavours in the article below:

Rotary Interact Brings Halloween Magic to Wallace High School 2025