An ‘amazing bunch of lads’ who banded together to fundraise after hearing of the plight of their teacher’s daughter have been nominated for a Your Champions award.
Erin’s Army comprises seven former students of Bishops’ High School - Peter Boxall, Brad Stanley, Danny Piggot, Elliot Pryce, Daryl Ruane, Cal Bowness and Matt McCann - who have raised more than £2,500 for the Oncology Unit at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, where four-year-old Erin Cross has received treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
The group was nominated by Erin’s mum Sarah Cross, who said: “They were all taught by my husband Antony Cross and, after hearing that our daughter had been diagnosed with leukaemia, wanted to do something extra special to support our family.
“They set about trying to find the most difficult challenge they could do to raise a large amount of money for Erin’s oncology fund at Alder Hey.
“They put their lives on hold whilst planning the event and poured all their time into raising funds.”
Last October, the boys - who have all registered as bone marrow donors - completed Tough Mudder, a gruelling 12-mile obstacle course designed by British Special Forces, and ran the Chester Marathon the following day.
Sarah added: “It was amazing what they achieved as some of them didn’t have time to train but they did it, raising £2591.
“It doesn’t stop there as they now support our blood donation campaign and give blood at Erin’s blood drives.
“They are an amazing bunch of lads.”
Danny, who spent the morning of his 21st birthday giving blood at Upton High School, is also registered to donate platelets.
