Boys’ Boarding Houses raise money for teenage cancer charity

Two of our Boarding Houses have taken part in a series of challenges to raise more than £4,000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust. 

Rigg’s Hall and Ingram’s Hall boys have competed in gaming competitions and an Ironman challenge respectively, in order to raise money for the charity that has a close connection to both boarding houses. 

Together, the houses have raised £4,263 for the Teenage Cancer Trust. 

Matt Barrett, Housemaster of Rigg's, said: “Last summer one of the boys in Rigg’s Hall, Oliver, was diagnosed with cancer. Over the course of the next nine months, he went through a difficult period of treatment which involved chemotherapy and radiotherapy.  

“Throughout his treatment Oliver was helped by many wonderful doctors and nurses in the NHS, while he and his family were also supported by the Teenage Cancer Trust.” 

Oliver said: “The Teenage Cancer Trust helped me to cope with all the treatment and the feelings I was having and when I was returning to school, they crucially helped me to adjust and get on." 

“Fortunately, Oliver’s treatment was successful, and he has been able to return to school this year and the boys in Rigg's wanted to do something to help, so they decided to raise some money for the Teenage Cancer Trust,” Mr Barrett added. 

A small committee of pupils organised a gaming competition open to everyone in school and over a number of weeks each house held qualifying events to nominate their own champions to go through to the Finals Day in May. The event was a great success, raising £1,500 for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Sam Griffiths, Housemaster of Ingram’s, added: “On 3rd February 2022, an Ingram's Hall legend died at the age of 21. He had been a real character in our house - sporty, bright and great fun. In memory of him, and in support of his younger brother in our Third Form, we decided to create an 'Ingram's Ironman' for charity.  

“On 24 April, the whole house combined to cover the swimming, biking and running distances around the Shrewsbury School campus - a magnificent feat!  We were delighted to raise £2,763 for Teenage Cancer Trust, who were so instrumental in his care.” 

Grace Higgins, Senior Relationship Manager at Teenage Cancer Trust, said: “Teenage Cancer Trust’s work puts young people in the best possible place, physically, mentally and emotionally, for their cancer treatment and beyond, by funding expert nurses, support teams, and hospital units.  

“The money raised by Shrewsbury School [Rigg’s and Ingram’s House] means that Teenage Cancer Trust nurses, youth workers, and hospital units will be able to be there for more teens and young adults with cancer when they’re needed most. 

A huge and heartfelt thank you from all of us at Teenage Cancer Trust to everyone involved.