TWO schools have joined forces to help a determined young fundraiser raise more than £600 for two cancer charities.

Joe Tomley, a former Dean Academy, Lydney, student who is now in the first year of the sixth form at Wyedean in Sedbury, approached both schools to help raise as much as possible for Cancer Research UK and CoppaFeel, a charity that focuses on the early detection of breast cancer to give the best possible chance of survival.

A non-uniform day at The Dean Academy helped raise £250, while Joe organised a cake sale and a pink themed non-uniform day at Wyedean School which raised £353.

Joe said: “It has been a great effort from both schools. The fundraiser at Wyedean went really well and we managed to raise a total of £603 between the two schools which is amazing.

“The money raised from The Dean Academy will go to Cancer Research UK and the money raised from Wyedean will go to CoppaFeel, to help raise awareness of cancer.”

Sam Bishop, assistant sixth form director at Wyedean School, said: “Joe is such a valued member of our sixth form community, and we welcomed the opportunity for him to fundraise within the school.

“Joe has demonstrated impressive motivation and leadership skills to raise funds for a cause that is so close to his heart.”

Dean Academy headteacher Tom Beveridge added “We are very proud of Joe for the effort he has gone to in raising money for such an important cause.

“It is great to be able to support charities that our students and ex-students believe in. We wish Joe all the very best for the future.”