A long-standing tradition continued this week when West Wallsend High School (WWHS) students laced up their walking shoes for a worthy cause.
The pupils began the annual event 15 years ago to raise money for charity in support of a staff member diagnosed with breast cancer.
Under warm conditions on Friday 20 September, everyone tackled the traditional route from the school, up Mount Sugarloaf, and back.
To date, more than $80,000 has been accumulated by WWHS and distributed among several agencies, including The Breast Cancer Foundation, Canteen, Bowel Cancer Australia, Hunter Medical Research Institute and The Mark Hughes Foundation.
And, in 2024, they smashed their goal of $10,000, amassing in excess of $13,000, which will go towards the Hunter Melanoma Foundation.
Relieving principal Michael Chandler said the Cancer Sux walk had become a sacred part of the school community.
“Students put a lot of work into it and this year have gone above and beyond by making coloured ribbons and pins, screen-printed T-shirts, and holding a Bizfest to raise as much money as possible,” he stated.
“They train, chase up sponsorship and prepare costumes in the weeks leading up to the event.”
According to Mr Chandler, the custom was ingrained as a celebration of school pride for many pupils.
“It’s also become a bit of a rite of passage for our Year 12 students in their last days of school, leaving them on a high before their exams – literally and figuratively,” he said.
But, the event extends beyond the student cohort, with community members, local businesses and staff all contributing to the fundraising efforts.
For more community stories:
- Rare zoo-bred Regent Honeyeaters released in Lower Hunter
- Campers encouraged to have a say on future of Jerrys Plains Recreation Ground
- Maitland players dig into their pockets for generous Sleapy’s Foundation donation
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