CHARITABLE Cradley Heath students swapped their uniforms for ‘something red’ on the last day of term to help raise £780 for a blood cancer charity.

The day was inspired by the work of Ormiston Forge Academy staff member Kris Griffin who has been trying to raise £10,000 over 12 months for Leukaemia Care – a charity of which he is a trustee.

Mr Griffin was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) 10 years ago and in recent weeks he has spoken at assemblies and been interviewed by student council, before holding a bucket collection at the school to raise money for the cause.

Inspired by the bravery of patients around him and a determination to ensure that no patient is ever left behind, Mr Griffin became a trustee for Leukaemia Care.

Mr Griffin said: “10 years ago when I was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) I wasn’t sure if I was going to live to 33 and now 10 years later, I’m still here.

“To celebrate 10 years since diagnosis, I’ve set myself a challenge to raise £10,000 for Leukaemia Care. The money will be spent training more GPs on the signs and symptoms of blood cancer.

“The money that Forge students have raised will save lives.

“I’m touched and humbled that the Forge family have come together to support me and I'm very proud of everyone involved.”

He has raised several thousands of pounds over the last 10 years but this is his biggest challenge yet. With a 10-mile walk planned and a special concert at The Cavern Club in Liverpool, he is hoping to smash his target by February 2019.