Pupils and staff at a Bradford school are raising funds for a cancer charity after losing a teacher to the disease.

Liz McLeod, a music teacher at Thornton Grammar School, died aged 47 in February after a two-year battle with breast cancer.

Pupils took part in a non-uniform day, with many wearing pink, and baked cakes raising £1,200 for Breast Cancer Care.

Twelve female members of staff hope to raise £3,000 for the charity by taking part in the Bala Challenge, a 20-mile hill walk in Wales, which includes part of Snowdon.

Last year, the group completed a 20-mile walk at Harewood House also in aid of Breast Cancer Care, raising £2,000.

Jenny Silvester, assistant head of year seven and a member of the group, said: “We decided we wanted to do something again but this year make it more challenging. Liz was so brave, even a couple of weeks before she died she was talking about coming back into school.”

Another participant in the walk will be head of music Susan Turner, a close friend of Mrs McLeod.

She said: “She was a larger-than-life character who was well respected in school. She was so fun to be around and well-liked by children and colleagues. She became ill two years ago and never complained once but was full of optimism. She was an example to us all. She has left a vast hole.”

Headteacher Chris Sampson said: “Liz was a much-loved and valued colleague who is sadly missed by pupils and staff. We hope this charity can help people who find themselves in a similar situation to her.”

Jane McGrellis, head of psychology at the school, is preparing to climb Kilimanjaro in September as part of a team of 30 volunteers to raise funds for three Yorkshire hospices, including Kirkwood Hospice in Huddersfield where Mrs McLeod was cared for.

To sponsor the teachers taking part in the Bala Challenge go to justgiving.com/thorntontrekkersbala.

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