Children are being encouraged to learn about charity, have fun and back the Telegraph & Argus’ fundraising appeal during Crocus Week.

Schools across the district have been sent packs about the Bradford Crocus Cancer Appeal, which is driven by the T&A, the University of Bradford, Yorkshire Cancer Research and the Sovereign Healthcare Charitable Trust.

Crocus Week is being run between May 10 and 18 and it is hoped that teachers will sign their schools up and help towards our £1 million target. Every school that registers will be entered into a prize draw to win either £500, £200 or £100 worth of book vouchers.

Victoria Collins, development officer at the University, said: “We are really hoping that local schools get involved with Crocus Week and hold their own fundraising activities.

“Schools should have already received a fundraising pack with ideas on possible activities including bake sales, spelling bees and dress in purple days.

“This is a great opportunity for schools to contribute to a local appeal whilst having lots of fun.”

Businesses and individuals are also invited to back the appeal during Crocus Week and support the research which could lead to advances in cancer treatment.

READ MORE ABOUT THE T&A CROCUS CANCER APPEAL AND HOW TO DONATE

The week will kick off with an abseil at Jury’s Inn Hotel in Bradford on Saturday, May 10, which 80 brave volunteers, including T&A and University staff, will take part in.

The £1 million will be used to buy a specialist piece of equipment, called a proteomics mass spectrometer.

Researchers at the University’s Institute of Cancer Therapeutics can use the machine to increase the pace at which they can discover cancer medicines of the future. It will scientists to understand the vital role that certain proteins play in the spread of cancerous cells, with a clearer understanding of which proteins enable cancer progression, they will be much better placed to design targeted cancer medicines.

To get involved with Crocus Week or to find out more about joining a Crocus Cancer Appeal abseil planned for Saturday, May 10, contact Victoria Collins at v.collins@bradford.ac.uk or call (01274) 233165.