School pupils don festive jumpers for a week to raise money for patients

Pupils from Ayia Triada Greek School in Erdington have been getting into the Christmas spirit by wearing festive jumpers, not just for a day but for a whole week to raise money for Ward 19 at Heartlands Hospital.

The pupils have raised money for Ward 19, the dedicated cancer ward at the hospital, and were visited by Dr Manos Nikoulousis who is a consultant and the Head of Department on Ward 19. Manos visited the school, where his own children are pupils, to teach them about the work that happens on Ward 19, and to encourage their fundraising efforts.

Dr Stella Tryfonos is the head teacher at Ayia Triada school and said: "It was great to learn more about Ward 19 and Heartlands Hospital Charity, the pupils are really looking forward to getting involved in more fundraising in the future."

"As a school, we are trying to encourage members of the Greek community to sign up to the bone marrow donor register, and thanks to Manos we are now all aware of the amazing work that happens with bone marrow transplants on the ward."

Sian Averill, Fundraising Manager at Heartlands Hospital Charity said: "Huge thanks go to the amazing pupils at Ayia Triada School for getting involved in festive jumper day, and turning it into an entire week! Thanks also go to Manos for helping to teach the pupils about the amazing work on Ward 19, and how the Charity helps by funding 'added extras' over and above that which the NHS can provide."

If you would like to learn more about how Heartlands Hospital Charity supports Ward 19, visit heft.org.uk/ward19