Harrogate school's charity decision motivated by 'deeply personal connection' to pupils' family
A “deeply personal connection" to a pupil’s family has inspired a Harrogate school’s choice of a new charity partner for this academic year.
Duchy College, formerly Harrogate Ladies’ College, says it is proud to have selected Blood Cancer UK - a charity which holds a special place within the school’s community.
The Badger family, whose daughters, Alice and Isabel, are pupils at Duchy College, saw their mother, Philippa, sadly pass away from acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) in 2022.
The family have since raised more than £500,000 for blood cancer research, helping to support work into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
The decision has been welcomed by the two Badger girls at this Harrogate school.
"I am really proud that the school has chosen Blood Cancer UK,” said Isabel.
“It is a charity that’s very close to our family’s hearts.
"I am excited to see what we can achieve together and how we will be can support them.”
Duchy College has a long history of successful charity partnerships with local and national organisations including Resurrected Bites, Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity and the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund.
“Charity is at the cornerstone of our community,” said Principal, Joanna Fox.
“We are exceptionally proud to support Blood Cancer UK and have seen firsthand the impact the disease can have.
“The Badger family are key members of our school community and have worked tirelessly to raise funds for this important cause.”
From Friday, October 2, Duchy College will be holding a number of school-wide charity events to raise much-needed funds to support the 40,000 people diagnosed with blood cancer in the UK annually.
Matthew White, Director at Blood Cancer UK, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to everyone at Duchy College for choosing Blood Cancer UK as their Charity of the Year.
"This has a particularly special meaning because of the Badger family, who have already done so much for blood cancer research in memory of Philippa.
“Every pound raised by pupils, staff and families at Duchy College will help us continue our work to improve the lives of people affected by blood cancer.”