Liv 4 Daniel Fundraiser

We need your help and support to do 13.

The school is proud to support the ‘Liv 4 Daniel 13 for 13’ fundraising weekend to raise awareness of Childhood Cancer and the lack of funding for DIPG Brain Tumours and Childhood Leukaemia. Only 2% of all funding goes towards dedicated Childhood Cancer Research.

The three-day event is being organised by two Hutchie parents — Allan Dickson, whose daughter Liv, S4, recently completed more than two years of gruelling treatment for Leukaemia, and Brian Caplan. Brian’s son Daniel was diagnosed with a DIPG tumour while in 5th year. DIPG is a terminal brain cancer and tragically Daniel died in November 2020 just seven months after his diagnosis. The 13 for 13 is significant because 13 children a day are diagnosed with cancer in the UK.

September is “Childhood Cancer Awareness Month” and the pair hope to raise thousands by inviting people to sign up to do a variety of ’13 for 13′ challenges during the event which takes place at the school on Friday 15th – Sunday 17th September from 9am – 5pm. All money raised will be split equally between Doing it for Daniel Foundation, the charity set up by Brian and Alison Caplan and Cure Leukaemia, the charity Liv and Allan work closely and the school’s current charity partner.

These activities include:

• Ride a static bike in the gym, achieving 13k, 13miles, 13 minutes
• Run around the track, achieving 1.3 km/miles, 13 laps, 13km, 13 minutes
• Walk around the track, achieving 1.3 km/miles, 13 laps or 13km, 13 minutes

If you cannot join us on the weekend at Hutchesons’, please join us Remotely/ Virtually on Zwift, Peloton, Strava by riding, running or walking #13″4″13 laps, km’s/ miles at home, in the park etc throughout the month of September promoting Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

The event aims to raise awareness of childhood cancer and support the two charities: Doing it for Daniel Foundation and Cure Leukaemia.

It also aims to raise funds to:

• Help fund essential research trials.
• Help find cures & kinder treatment.
• Provide gifts & support to kids/ families affected by childhood cancer.
• Establish an annual, inclusive community event to support & promote both charities.
• Celebrate the life of Daniel Caplan.

Brian, Allan, and Liv hope that supporters of the event will collectively ride/run/walk 4,745km — 1km for every child diagnosed with cancer in the UK each year.

So…how can you get involved?

• Brian and Allan are encouraging those taking part in a cycle challenge to donate/fundraise to help them achieve their target but would love to see anyone come down and support in any way they can. Every penny will help them get closer to their target.
• Pupils/Parents can create their own fundraising page where their own friends and family can donate/sponsor them to complete a challenge. Each page created will link to the main page and give us a cumulative total towards our fundraising target of £50k: www.justgiving.com/fundraising-page/creation/?campaignShortName=Liv4Daniel
• Pupils, parents, and siblings can take part in the 1.3km/miles, 13 laps, 13km, 13 minutes walk/run by turning up and registering at the sign-in desk. If each participant could fundraise it will help Brian, Allan and Liv achieve their fundraising goal and help two charities make a real difference to the lives of children diagnosed with cancer. Walk/Run Sessions are:- Saturday 2pm – 6pm and/or Sunday 9am – 5pm.
• If you aren’t able to come along to school and take part in one of the events but still want to support Brian, Allan and Liv, please sign up to fundraise and do your own 13 during September. Or you can donate in two ways: online at www.justgiving.com/campaign/liv4daniel or Text LIV4DAN to 70450* to donate £13. (text will cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message).

Daniel was a huge part of our school community. He showed incredible courage following his diagnosis during the Covid Lockdown, returning to classes whenever he was able to after school re-opened. Daniel showed such bravery and kindness during his illness, but never lost his mischievous side. Daniel’s huge grin, sense of humour and his ability to charm everyone is remembered so fondly by his teachers and the school support staff. He was a hugely popular boy with a big group of friends who miss him very much. Following his diagnosis, Daniel spoke to his parents about wanting to help others and they created the Doing it for Daniel Foundation to honour his wish.

Liv has also shown incredible resilience and courage throughout her gruelling treatment for the past two years, from diagnosis to end of treatment. In addition to the daily pressures of high school teenage life, Liv has also had to contend with countless procedures– all braved in that inimitable Liv style, a charismatic blend of wisdom, good humour, and candour. Our entire school community is so very proud of Liv, both in terms of her personal strength and the unwavering effort she has channelled into raising awareness of children’s cancers. She is a role model for younger and older pupils alike, showcasing our school values every day.