de Stafford pupils aim to deliver knockout blow to cancer

​​Pupils at de Stafford School in Caterham had a distinct advantage when they took on staff in a charity dodgeball competition the other week – as they had an Olympic medallist on their side.

Boxer Joshua Buatsi, who won bronze for Great Britain in the light-heavyweight category at the Rio 2016 Games, was visiting the school to promote healthy lifestyles as part of fundraising activities linked to World Cancer Day.

The 23-year-old also addressed a school assembly before taking part in the day’s fun and games to raise money for a worthy cause.

“Our Year Nine pupils had already raised over £1600 for cancer charities before the day came around, so they were particularly motivated to make the most of the day,” said de Stafford’s Head of Year Nine Geraldine Callanan.

“Having Joshua come in and talk about how far he has managed to get and the success he has had as a result of his hard work and dedication was really inspiring for them, as well as underlining the importance of a healthy lifestyle.”

The event was the latest memorable moment at de Stafford school, which since December 2016 has been a member of the GLF Schools multi-academy trust, which runs schools across five counties in the south east of England. Earlier this term, Year Seven pupils staged a special Harry Potter book night as part of an international fan link-up.

“It was a great day, thoroughly enjoyed by all who took part, and raising money for a great cause,” added Mrs Callanan.

“As well as the dodgeball match, there was a student/teacher challenge, where staff were put in team with their pupils for a fundraising competition, as part of which pupils were allowed to come in in home clothes whilst staff had to wear uniform. By the end of the day, the total raised was £1694, so everyone involved should take great pride in a good job well done.”