Dunmow pupils dress in pyjamas for charity

A six-year-old Dunmow girl got pupils to swap uniform for pyjamas, after she was moved by the illness of family members to raise money for charity.

Sadie Rodwell, a Year Two student at St Mary’s Primary School, came up with the idea following the death of her eight-year-old cousin and grandfather to cancer.

“I asked Mrs Griffiths to do this because sadly, one year ago my cousin Finlay died from a brain tumour and my Granddad also died from cancer,” Sadie wrote to parents of pupils at the school.

“You may know someone who is ill too and it would be great if you could help raise lots of money.

“To do this all you have to do is let your child wear their pyjamas to school and bring a £1 donation. You can donate more if you wish,” she added.

The result was the appearance of more than 400 youngsters in their nightwear last Friday, which raised well over £300 towards researching the disease.

Speaking to the Reporter, Sadie said:

“My granddad had cancer, he had it three times, and my cousin Finlay had cancer, he had a brain tumour, he was only eight or nine.

“I wanted to do pyjama day because we haven’t done it since we were in reception, and I love it.”

Headteacher Clare Griffiths added:

“I have always said no to pyjama days in the past, but when I received Sadie’s letter it was a request that was impossible to refuse.”

For more information on the charity, go to cancerresearchuk.org.