Students and staff at Jack Hunt Academy have come together to raise an incredible £1,689.81 for Teenage Cancer Trust, supporting Sixth Form student Cristiano Calitri as he prepares to take on the TCS London Marathon in April 2027.

We organised a special non-uniform day to show its support for Cristiano, who is taking on the iconic 26.2-mile challenge to raise vital funds for young people affected by cancer.

Cristiano has been running for almost two years, initially taking up the sport to improve his physical and mental wellbeing. Since then, he has successfully completed three half marathons and is now preparing to tackle his biggest challenge yet.

His decision to fundraise for Teenage Cancer Trust is particularly close to his heart, having experienced the impact of cancer within his own family.

Cristiano said: “As a teenager myself, raising money for this charity feels like the right thing to do. There are young people out there who need serious medical care and support, and I want to do something to help. My grandfather also had cancer, which makes this cause even more meaningful to me.

“Doing what I love while helping people in need is the ultimate goal. That is what will drive and motivate me to run 26.2 miles at the London Marathon in 2027. Every donation, no matter how big or small, makes a difference!”

Teenage Cancer Trust provides specialist care and support for young people living with cancer, helping them navigate the physical, emotional and practical challenges of a cancer diagnosis.

With race day approaching in April 2027, Cristiano is already following a structured training programme. Having built a regular running routine, he plans to significantly increase his mileage from January as he steps up his preparations for the marathon.

Head Teacher of Jack Hunt Academy, Mr Jon Hebblethwaite, praised Cristiano’s determination and the generosity shown by the school community.

He said: “We are incredibly proud of Cristiano and the commitment he is showing in taking on such an impressive challenge for a fantastic cause. His determination, hard work and desire to make a positive difference to the lives of others reflect the values we champion at Jack Hunt Academy: hard work, integrity and kindness.

“It has been wonderful to see our students and staff come together to support Cristiano. Raising £1,689.81 through the non-uniform day is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the kindness and generosity of our community.

“Cristiano is a wonderful example of how young people can use their passions and talents to make a real difference, and we wish him every success with his training and the London Marathon.”

The fantastic fundraising total is a testament to the strong community spirit at Jack Hunt Academy and the school's commitment to encouraging students to demonstrate kindness, determination and social responsibility.

With months of training still ahead, Cristiano hopes to build on the Academy's generous contribution and raise even more money for Teenage Cancer Trust.

You can support Cristiano's London Marathon challenge and help him raise vital funds for Teenage Cancer Trust by visiting his fundraising page:

Donate to Cristiano's London Marathon 2027 fundraising page