Students show support for Neurofibromatosis Awareness Day

Twenty-six students walked, cycled or ran a mile in aid of Neurofibromatosis Awareness Day on Sunday 17 May, to show support for their friend and fellow student Gaby W who has Neurofibromatosis.

The group of Year 8 students and parents organised this surprise gesture to show Gaby they were with her “in mind, body and spirit”.

“It shows such inclusion, friendship and the most wonderful caring attitude,” said Gaby’s mother. “Gaby does feel different because of her condition, but thanks to the amazing teachers and staff at Pipers who have shown such kindness and awareness, and her friends and the parents in Year 8, she feels very much included and is so happy at school. I am genuinely overwhelmed by what the girls produced for Gaby and felt it needed to be shared.”

Neurofibromatosis (type 1 and type 2) is a genetic condition that causes tumours to grow along the nerves. The tumours are usually non-cancerous (benign) but can cause a range of symptoms.

During the Spring Term Pipers held a music concert, 'Pipers Rocks' which raised money for two Neurofibromatosis charities, The Childhood Tumour Trust (childhoodtumourtrust.org.uk) and Nerve Tumours UK (nervetumours.org.uk) – charities which are also supported by Gaby and her family. 

Below is an image that was produced by the 26 students, which was shared on social media to show their amazing support on Neurofibromatosis Awareness Day.