Oakwood staff take on Sheffield 10K for sporty ex-student fighting cancer

Lulu Blundell (below), who started chemotherapy the day after her 16th birthday in June, is raising cash for the Teenage Cancer Trust and asked for donations instead of birthday presents.

The sporty teenager, who plays rugby union and league for Sheffield Swans and Wakefield Trinity respectively and swims for Rotherham, said she was grateful for the care of staff at The Royal Orthopeadic Hospital in Birmingham and at Weston Park Hospital in Sheffield.

Lulu’s justgiving page has already been pledged almost £5,000 in donations, prompting the student and her family to raise their target to £10,000.

And staff at Oakwood High in Moorgate, which she left in July, will do their bit on Sunday by taking on the Sheffield 10K.

Students are sponsoring more than 20 staff to complete their run in bald caps and pink tutus — at Lulu’s request. 

Lulu’s dad Stephen Blundell said: “The support that our family has received through the TCT has been palpable. 

“When in hospital, Lulu stays in the TCT unit at Weston Park, rather than a ward, and she is treated like a young person rather than a patient with her own room and en suite facility. 

“It is set up more like a university hall of residence and given these young people are facing the biggest challenge of their lives, this makes a huge positive difference. 

“There are simply no words to describe just how wonderful the staff are either.”

To donate, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/lulu-blundell