Creative Cramlington students support cause close to school’s heart
Cramlington students have used their writing talents to raise money for a cause close to their school’s heart.
More than 20 of them, aged between 11 and 16, spent months perfecting their poetry and prose during a lunchtime club called The Write Lunch.
The result is a collection of their work in a book – named after the club – which the students at Cramlington Learning Village paid to be printed.
Proceeds from sales of The Write Lunch will now go to a charity which was set up by a former student as she battled a rare form of cancer.
Jessica Robson died five years ago, shortly after her 18th birthday. Despite her illness Jessica collected more than £25,000 to support other young people affected by cancer. Her family has continued her work and Jessica’s Sarcoma Awareness has now raised around £200,000.
“She was a truly remarkable student,” said Dave Paterson, who taught Jessica. “She never complained even when she was so poorly. She had a smile from ear to ear.”
The eye-catching image of a book sandwich on The Write Lunch’s cover was created by 13-year-old Ryan Law. He also provided three poems, including “This is the Truth”, which ends with the lines “Because life is precious and we only get one/So make life worth living because when it’s gone, it’s gone.”
The book was edited by 16-year-old student Amy Langdown. “I’m really proud of it. It looks amazing,” she said. Three years ago Amy, alongside her writing partner and fellow student, became the youngest recipients of a prestigious prize at the Northern Writers’ Awards.
The writing club was set up by English teachers Jamie Thom and Beth Scott. “There’s a tremendous amount of creative talent at the school and it’s a privilege to have been involved in The Write Lunch,” said Mr Thom.
“The writing’s absolutely terrific. They sat, they wrote, they engaged with complicated issues. Some of the pieces they’ve written are about the state of the world or what it’s like to be a teenager.”
The Write Lunch is available to buy from Cramlington Learning Village for £5. Proceeds will go towards fulfilling Jessica’s dream of building a lodge to provide breaks for children and young people, affected by illness, and their families.
Through numerous fund-raising activities the school has already donated around £15,000 to Jessica’s Sarcoma Awareness.