Pupils show their colours for poorly Sunderland boy William

Splashes of orange were sported on pupils' uniforms to raise cash and spread the word about a debilitating genetic disorder that affects a courageous Wearside boy.
William Calvert thanks Bexhill Academy pupils for supporting Orange Day.William Calvert thanks Bexhill Academy pupils for supporting Orange Day.
William Calvert thanks Bexhill Academy pupils for supporting Orange Day.

Three-year-old William Calvert has been diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), an incurable muscle-wasting disease which will see his health slowly deteriorate and his life cut tragically short.

As recently reported in the Echo, his parents Caroline and Robert, of Hylton Castle, have launched a fundraising drive in a bid to support more research into the condition.

Three-year-old William Calvert has Duchenne muscular dystrophy.Three-year-old William Calvert has Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Three-year-old William Calvert has Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

To help them on their way to their initial target of £5,000, Bexhill Academy set about marking Orange Day –a day organised by Muscular Dystrophy UK to raise awareness of the disease.

Pupils took to making orange ribbons which were then sold to raise funds, which will be passed on to William’s parents.

The youngster was also treated to a tour of the school, in Town End Farm, and even took part in a PE lesson.

Vicky Stokoe, Year Six teacher, who organised the Orange Day at the school, said: “I know William’s mam and his auntie, and following his diagnosis they said they wanted to raise funds for research into the condition,

Orange Day was organised by Muscular Dystrophy UK to raise awareness of the group.Orange Day was organised by Muscular Dystrophy UK to raise awareness of the group.
Orange Day was organised by Muscular Dystrophy UK to raise awareness of the group.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I approached our headteacher to see if we could take part in orange day.

“The staff, pupils and parents have been so supportive and have all worked really hard to make the day a success.

“The school council along with some of our pupils made the orange ribbons in their own time to sell and we even had people on a weekend making them.

“It was also the school council who sent out letters to parents letting them know what we were doing and why.

Bexhill Academy pupils made orange ribbons, which were sold to raise funds.Bexhill Academy pupils made orange ribbons, which were sold to raise funds.
Bexhill Academy pupils made orange ribbons, which were sold to raise funds.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I would just like to say a huge thank you to our parents as we couldn’t have done it without their help.”

It is thought the day has helped to raise about £400 towards the £5,000 target.

Mrs Stokoe added: “All the pupils have had a great time and it was really nice of them to be able to meet William.

“We held assemblies to explain the condition and to give the chance for the pupils to ask questions.”

l Anyone who would like to donate can do so by visiting crowdfunding.justgiving.com/WilliamCalvert.