Schoolfriends are ditching their uniforms to honour the memory of a popular former student.
Pupils at Jack Hunt School, in Peterborough, are joining forces to show their support for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
EACH cared for Poppi Frisby, 12, who had a type of cancer called Ewing sarcoma and died at the charity’s Milton hospice in February 2024. The tumour was in her pelvis, but it was aggressive and spread to her lungs.
Now, as a way of showing their gratitude, staff and students are organising the special fundraiser on Friday, 4th April. A group of her friends hope to top-up the total by selling delicious homemade bakes.
“Poppi would have loved it, because she had such a kind heart,” said her dad, Ian.
“Clearly, EACH doesn’t run on fresh air and deserves to be supported more than anything in the world.
“Hopefully it raises important funds for a remarkable place, and we love the thought of everyone talking about and remembering Poppi.
“To say the last couple of years have been hard would be an understatement.
“It’s remarkable what she went through, and no-one should have to experience something like that, least of all a child.
“She had intense radiotherapy – three and a half years’ worth condensed into one year – and it was awful.
“It led to blisters and infections, but she was so brave and such a fighter. She must have been in agony but never made a fuss. I’ve never known anything like it.”
Students will be asked to make a £1 donation when they arrive at school, and, coupled with the bake sale, they hope to raise in the region of £2,000.
They money will help EACH continue its vital work, caring for children and supporting families across East Anglia.
“Far from being dark and depressing, I came to realise that the hospice is the most beautiful place, full of the warmest, most wonderful people – people I respect so much,” added Ian.
“EACH made that period of her and our lives as bearable as possible. It helped us navigate our feelings, and it’s only thanks to their support we can now talk openly and freely about Poppi.
“That support has continued in the last year.
“We receive counselling and wellbeing support, and, personally, I don’t think I’d have coped without it. I’d have broken down every single day.”
Among the students to help organise the day is 15-year-old Lily, who visited Poppi during her time at Milton.
“When we went to visit Poppi, the building and surrounding area looked peaceful,” she said.
“The staff were very welcoming and made sure we were happy. The indoor and outdoor facilities were really good, especially the sensory room.”
Jack Hunt School is part of the Peterborough Keys Academies Trust (PKAT).
