A CHARITY raising awareness of childhood cancer has received a £3,000 cash boost thanks to three hard-working pupils.

Knox Academy held its annual youth philanthropy initiative (YPI) last month.

Groups of S5 pupils had the chance to find out more about a good cause and represent it at a final in front of a panel of judges.

LoveOliver, based in Fife, was represented by Emilis Vaicaitis, Euan Farquhar and Sam Palmer, and was chosen to receive the £3,000.

Jennifer Gill, founder and manager of the charity, was delighted by the pupils’ success.

The charity was established in 2011, just months after Andy and Jennifer Gill’s son Oliver passed away after being diagnosed with a very rare and aggressive form of cancer – a malignant rhabdoid tumour.

Since then, it has worked to raise awareness of childhood cancer and its impact on families.

Jennifer said: “We are so proud of Sam, Emilis and Euan for winning the amazing £3,000 YPI grant for LoveOliver.

“This is a fantastic amount of money for a small charity and we will ensure it is put to good use supporting families affected by childhood cancer.

“LoveOliver funds vital research into childhood cancer and provides a range of practical support to families affected by it, across Scotland.

“This includes providing healthy meals for parents during hospital stays, quality digital thermometers and financial support.

“LoveOliver also runs a drop-in centre for childhood cancer charities across the road from the new Edinburgh children’s hospital.

“This provides them with a safe space to come to for food, support, a welcome change of scenery and the chance to get to know other families facing the same diagnosis.

“You can follow the work of LoveOliver on Facebook and on Instagram, and you can sign up to our mailing list at loveoliver.org.uk”

Can Do Scotland, Home- Start and Simpsons Special Care Babies were also represented in the final.

Councillor George McGuire and Therese Laing, chairwoman of Haddington and District Community Council, were joined on the judging panel by S6 pupil Katie Llewellyn and S2 pupil Alexander McBain.

Mr McGuire and Mrs Laing were both full of praise for the efforts of all the pupils and highlighted the event at a recent meeting of Haddington’s community council, which took place in the town’s secondary school.

Mrs Laing said: “It was absolutely wonderful and the competition was very difficult.

“It was very moving and everybody involved had taken so much time to organise the presentation.”

Mr McGuire agreed it was great to be involved with the project.

He told the meeting: “For me, there were no losers on the day and they were all winners.

“Unfortunately, one takes away the cheque on offer but the experience they have gained will stand them in good stead in years to come.”