BY HANNAH GRAHAM

LAST Friday, July 8, Lytchett Minster School pupils took part in their annual sandwalk from Sandbanks to Bournemouth Pier and back, in a bid to raise money for charity.

Every year since 1996, the school has donated money raised by the students to Cancer Research UK, resulting in an incredible £230,000 raised so far.

This year, however, the money raised is going to Asthma UK, in memory of a Year 9 student who lost his life due to asthma last year.

Teacher Simon Wyatt, who founded the event, said: “Friday’s walk took place in bright and breezy conditions with over 1,100 students and staff taking part.

“This year’s walk was in aid of Asthma UK in memory of a much-loved student Ed Kent, who sadly lost his life to the illness late last year.

“Lytchett has had a sandwalk for charity since the 1980s, but we first supported Cancer Research UK in 1996, after the premature death of a member of staff’s friend from cancer.”

Ed’s parents, Mr and Mrs Kent from Bere Regis, also took part in what was a poignant tribute, offering their full support to the school.

Ed’s year group took part in an aerial photograph before the walk, where all of the students stood in a formation spelling out ‘ED’ (pictured).

The total raised for this year’s walk will, as is traditional, be announced on the last day of term at the school.

For more information on the Asthma UK charity, please visit asthma.org.uk.