• ALL SAINTS School student Joshua Stroud wanted to do something special in memory of his grandad who died from motor neurone disease.

He spoke to his tutor and Deputy Headteacher before organising a sale of cakes in the school to raise money for research into this crippling disease.

However that was not enough as he wanted to make his fellow year eight students aware of why he wanted to raise money.

He put together his own presentation for a school assembly which he delivered with great confidence to nearly 200 in the year group.

Tutor Andrew Brewer said 'It was a brilliant assembly with a great impact. Joshua told us about when his grandad was diagnosed with MND and how he died a few months afterwards.' 'He did a great job, speaking from the heart, and I am sure the support he received with the cake stall is down to the excellent presentation he made.' As a keen sportsman, Joshua recognised the devastating affects of MND on active person. This was a very generous gesture to remember someone very special to his family.' Together with his class mates the stall ran for several breaktimes and raised in excess of £110 which will be used to fund research into MND. Students, staff, family and friends donated a tasty range of cakes and biscuits and the school hall was packed with eager customers.

Joshua's mum Andrea Stroud from Weymouth has run two London marathons for the cause and spoke proudly about her son's fundraising efforts: 'I would like to thank All Saints C of E School on behalf of the Motor Neurone Disease Society for the support they have given Joshua in his plight to raise money for this worthwhile charity.' 'I would also like to let Joshua know how proud I am of him for giving up his time to help raise money and the profile of MND. I have never seen him so keen to bake so many cakes without eating them!'

  • UNFORTUNATELY bad weather has foiled both recent attempts to hold an outdoor bring and buy sale to raise money for the Protection Society for Markham and Little Francis. Other events are being planned however - indoors this time! Watch this space for details as and when.