Pink Day 2024: Tonbridge School’s Vibrant Effort for Cancer Awareness

On Friday 18 October, Tonbridge School was awash with pink for our annual Pink Day, in support of all those affected by breast cancer and other forms of cancer.

First launched in 2007 to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Pink Day has become a key event in the School’s annual calendar. Over the years, the initiative has raised more than £50,000, while also highlighting the vital work of local cancer charities, and the importance of being vigilant about changes in our own bodies.

This year, funds were raised in aid of Breast Cancer Kent and Sarcoma UK, with staff and boys dressing in pink for the day. Hundreds of metres of pink fabric was used to dress the School grounds in pink, with funds being raised by selling pink sweets and cakes.

Encouraging sustainability, the School also set up charity stalls offering second-hand pink clothing sourced from the Demelza Hospice shop, raising more than £1,200 for the charity.

The day’s events followed a thought-provoking Chapel talk delivered by students Connor and Sam, who shared their personal experiences of how breast cancer and sarcoma have impacted their families. They were followed by Paul Ridd, one of the School’s Biology teachers, who spoke movingly about his wife Sue’s experience with cancer. Using a blend of humour, science, and personal insight, he stressed the importance of seeking medical attention for any changes in our bodies. A show of solidarity rippled through the congregation in the form of a ‘Mexican wave’, as our speakers left the Chapel.

As darkness fell, the School grounds were illuminated in pink, a visual tribute arranged by local business High Resonance Illumination, serving as a further gesture of support for local families affected by cancer.

Last year’s fundraising efforts have already made a tangible impact, helping Breast Cancer Kent to purchase cutting-edge AI Auto-Contouring technology for Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust. This technology, commonly used in the private sector, reduces the time required for radiotherapy planning by automatically generating precise contours for treatment. Its use is expected to enhance both the efficiency and accuracy of breast cancer radiotherapy, ultimately helping more patients receive timely care.

Speaking to the school, Connor said: “For me, wearing pink has always been a highlight in the autumn term, but following my mother’s diagnosis of breast cancer, it means so much more to see a flock of pink across the whole school”.

Sam added: “We all know people and families we think of particularly on this Pink day, and are proud to support the fantastic work of Breast Cancer Kent and Sarcoma UK”.

Pink Day 2024 has now raised more than £7,400, and donations can still be made via the campaign’s JustGiving page.