“Phenomenal” £10,000 raised by infant school for four year old battling cancer

Children and staff at Sprowston Infant School at the fundraiser in aid of pupil four-year-old Sophie Taylor who has bone cancer. Some of Sophie's family, granny, Jenny Thurston, centre, uncle Jimmy Taylor, and Charlie Flint, sell the 'makeaSophie' t-shirts. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Sophie Taylor was diagnosed with osteosarcoma on January 4. Tests revealed a tumour in her knee and cancer has spread to her lungs in three places.

Shortly after hearing Sophie's story, the school she had been attending for just three months sprang into action with a fundraising day.

Last Friday pupils came to a non-uniform day, sporting Sophie's favourite colour, orange, with a disco and raffle in the afternoon.

Head at Sprowston Infant School Rob Edwards said: 'Parents and staff worked very hard to make the event happen and we are delighted with the outcome.

Sophie Taylor has been diagnosed with osteosarcoma. Picture: Taylor family (Image: Archant)

'The amount of money raised was way beyond anything we were expecting. All of this happened within two weeks. It is amazing what can happen when a community pulls together for a good cause.'

A total of £10,500 was raised on the day, and will go to help Sophie's family with travel costs for the 120 mile round trip to and from Addenbrooke's hospital in Cambridge and any additional treatment that is needed.

Any extra will go to a children's cancer charity.

Sophie's dad, Alex, said: 'We are lucky to belong to a fantastic community and have many wonderful family and friends.

Sophie Taylor, far right, with sister Evie, seven, and brother Connor, three months. Picture: Taylor family (Image: Archant)

'We are extremely grateful for the efforts everyone has gone to and the amount raised has been phenomenal.

'Sophie enjoyed watching footage of the teachers getting covered in beans and the raffle draw live on Facebook was superb and allowed us to be part of the event even though Sophie was not well enough to attend.

'Thank you to the team at Sprowston Infant School who have been by our side since day one. They have been fantastic, supportive and understanding.

'The whole event goes to show what a great community and school we are privileged to be a part of.'

The money raised has more than doubled the total donated for Sophie to date, with a Just Giving page at almost £9,000. Her family has also launched a social media campaign asking people to 'take a sophie' sticking their tongue out at cancer.

To support Sophie, tweet a photo to #takeasophie, visit Super Strong Sophie on Facebook or donate at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/superstrongsophie.