Twelve students from Ely College were selected to join a trip to Addenbrooke’s Hospital today to offer holiday cheer and gifts to children on the cancer wards after sweating for 12 hours to raise money.

Ely Standard: Ely College students take part in 12 hours of sport to raise money for cancer charityEly College students take part in 12 hours of sport to raise money for cancer charity (Image: Archant)

The students all participated in the ‘12 Hours of Sport’ event, which gives Key Stage 3 students at Ely College the opportunity to raise money on behalf of the Malcolm Whales Foundation (MWF).

Students arrived at the college before 7am and worked solidly for 12 hours in the gym and fitness suite, raising more than £2,000.

Ely Standard: Ely College students take part in 12 hours of sport to raise money for cancer charityEly College students take part in 12 hours of sport to raise money for cancer charity (Image: Archant)

Twelve students were invited to take £500 of the money raised and become elves for the day. They visited the C2 children’s oncology and hematology ward in Addenbrooke’s to deliver sacks full of presents, board games and puzzles to the ward to put a smile on poorly children’s faces this Christmas.

Mr Stuart Patman, PE teacher at Ely College and trustee of the MWF, said: “While we like to keep it interesting for them by facilitating games and different sports, this year students really stepped up and worked exceptionally well together.”

A college spokesman said: “Staff were impressed with the dedication and effort shown, but also the leadership qualities that shone through on the day as students supported each other and steered their own pace to keep each other motivated.”

Year 9 student, Josh Lawrence, said: “A lot of children are going through painful treatment now so they can spend recovery time at home for Christmas.

“It was nice to play a game of Connect 4 with them and put a smile on their face. They were so grateful for the gifts, as were the nurses at Addenbrooke’s.”

Ely College will join the Malcolm Whales Foundation again next year when they take part in the annual Dorset Walk in July.

This year’s Dorset Walk saw over 160 walkers trek 40 miles from Weymouth to Studland over three days.

Damien Whales founded the charity in memory of his father, Malcolm, who died after a battle with bowel cancer in 2008.

Any other local schools who are interested in joining Ely College’s 12 Hours of Sport in 2018 should contact Mr Patman via the college.