ALVA ACADEMY has managed to keep its spectacular Macmillan fundraising going this year despite the coronavirus crisis.

Last Friday would have seen hundreds of people flow in and out of the Hillfoots school for its annual coffee morning where thousands of pounds is normally raised.

Due to the current restrictions, however, it was not allowed. Undeterred, the school went ahead with some of its efforts and its continuing them for the rest of the year in phases.

Dave Clifford, Macmillan organiser at the school, told the Advertiser the pandemic has made their will to raise funds even stronger.

He said: "Normally we would have hosted our annual Macmillan Coffee Morning on Friday September 25, an event which brings our school and the local community together for such a worthwhile cause.

"With current coronavirus restrictions in place, we were unable to do this at this time.

"However, this year has been particularly challenging for cancer patients and their families, so we really want to help in any way we can by holding many smaller events adhering to the current guidelines and hopefully a coffee morning later in the year.

"As such, we have decided to undertake our fundraising for Macmillan in three phases: September, October – December and after Christmas. We will still raise valuable funds for all of the other charities both local and national but we weren't going to let a global pandemic stand in our way."

Phase one saw a number of pupils, parents and staff undertake numerous challenges including a cycle from Lands End to John O' Groats, sponsored walks, head-shaving and a collection at Sterling Furniture

The second phase will be about giving up time. Pupils will be encouraged to undertake sponsored events where possible similar to our days of dance, sport, wellbeing and reading last year.

The final phase will, restrictions permitting, include the community ceilidh, concert and care home visits culminating in a coffee morning as usual.

Dave continued: "Last year, thanks to the hard work of sixth year and the community, Alva Academy raised over £45,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support which was the largest amount donated by any school in Britain.

"Our running total for this year already stands at an incredible £25,000 which has taken the total raised by Alva Academy since 2002 to a whopping £415,000.

"It was incredibly special to see and feel such a much needed buzz especially considering how difficult life has been for pupils, their families and the staff. Our lives may be different but our hearts remain the same."

Mr McEwan, Alva Academy headteacher, said: "The achievements of our young people are simply astonishing.

"In supporting Macmillan and the families of Clackmannanshire they epitomise our core values of service and, this year more than ever, creativity.

"The really exciting part is that this is only phase one and I am genuinely excited about what they will come up with next."