Pupils at Sandwich Technology School have jumped at the chance to raise cash for Breakthrough Breast Cancer, after an inspirational assembly led by ambassador Kerry Rubins.

Miss Rubins visited the school in Deal Road, Sandwich, last Thursday and Friday to talk to the 1,500 students about the disease, after one of the school’s teachers has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

She held four assemblies over two days covering the school.

Miss Rubins said: “One of the teachers is going through cancer and the children have been made aware of it.

“They were sent an email to say what the assembly was going to be about and they were given the option to opt out, but nobody did.

“I touched on my journey, Breakthrough Breast Cancer’s journey, the research centre and how people can fundraise.

“I told them that anything can be turned into a fundraiser.”

Following the assemblies, the students leaped at the chance to contribute to finding a cure for breast cancer.

Miss Rubins said: “They all came, it was like a swarm. They were really eager and engaged.”

Many students have joined The Breakthrough Breast Cancer Facebook page and handfuls have approached Miss Rubins with ideas.

Adam Crew, Lily Allen, Jack Watts and Hannah Cory have already organised a Year 11 vs teachers charity football match at the school on Thursday, December 18, of which Miss Rubins has been invited to.

Madeleine Merriman, Kyra-Jane Russell and Chloe Took have teamed together to do a sponsored silence on Thursday, November 27 and Amy Chandler has pledged to organise monthly cake sales and a run.

Miss Rubins added: “I’ve never had such a phenomenal response from a school before.

“I was really made to feel welcome and came away with a real buzz. I can’t wait to work with them all.”

Head teacher Veronica Gomez said: “Students have always shown a strong commitment to charity work and this is yet another example of their determination to help and support others less fortunate than themselves.

“The students were moved to ‘do something’ when they learned that one of their teachers had recently been diagnosed with breast cancer.”