Brave schoolgirl gets party fit for a princess

A Blackpool primary school put on a party to remember for a courageous little girl on her final day.
By The Newsroom
Published 22nd Jul 2016, 13:24 BST
Updated 22nd Jul 2016, 14:29 BST
Alison Hayden celebrates the end of year 6 with fellow pupils from Hawes Side PrimaryAlison Hayden celebrates the end of year 6 with fellow pupils from Hawes Side Primary
Alison Hayden celebrates the end of year 6 with fellow pupils from Hawes Side Primary

Alison Hayden, 11, was diagnosed with bone cancer in June last year and had to have her left leg amputated after doctors discovered a tumour.

But all of that was forgotten yesterday as she celebrated alongside her fellow Year 6 pupils at Hawes Side Academy in Marton.

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Alison attended the special leavers’ assembly in the morning.

Alison Hayden celebrates the end of year 6 with fellow pupils from Hawes Side Primary. She is pictured with close friend Kimberly Gunniss.Alison Hayden celebrates the end of year 6 with fellow pupils from Hawes Side Primary. She is pictured with close friend Kimberly Gunniss.
Alison Hayden celebrates the end of year 6 with fellow pupils from Hawes Side Primary. She is pictured with close friend Kimberly Gunniss.

She was then whisked from home back to school by horse and carriage and given a rousing reception by her friends before an extra special party, arranged by Radio Wave.

Jayne Davidson, the medical co-ordinator at Hawes Side described Alison’s memorable day.

She said: “We normally have a leavers’ disco.

“But because Alison has missed out on spending so much time with her friends we wanted to do something extra special.

Alison Hayden celebrates the end of year 6 with fellow pupils from Hawes Side Primary. She is pictured with close friend Kimberly Gunniss.Alison Hayden celebrates the end of year 6 with fellow pupils from Hawes Side Primary. She is pictured with close friend Kimberly Gunniss.
Alison Hayden celebrates the end of year 6 with fellow pupils from Hawes Side Primary. She is pictured with close friend Kimberly Gunniss.
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“We wanted it to be a leavers’ party fit for a princess because Alison is a real girly girl.”

Alison had her hair and make-up done at home by teachers before being driven to school by carriage.

She and her friends were then treated to a bumper bash.

“The initial idea was to have a DJ and a photo booth but we rang round and the costs were very high,” said Jayne.

“We got in touch with Radio Wave and they’ve done an amazing job.”

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Breakfast DJ Hayley Kay was the special guest at the event which also featured a live band, candyfloss and glitter tattoos.

She said: “Alison was given an amazing welcome, it was just a fantastic day.

“The smile on her face in the carriage was amazing.”

The leavers’ disco comes less than a month after schoolmates, along with kind-hearted staff at the Morrisons superstore at Squires Gate, rallied together to raise money to fund a fun-filled holiday to Disneyland in Tokyo, Japan.

Children and teachers at the academy brought in more than £500 at a charity cake sale for parents, while Morrisons staff put their fitness to the test in a sponsored stationary bike ride at the store, raising £655.

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Alison’s mum, Amanda, 33, said: “Massive thanks have to go to the school for organising the leavers’ disco, for coming to pick her up.

“The teachers even came to do her make up, to make the day extra special.

“The school has been absolutely amazing.

“It was wonderful that Alison could go to be with all her friends.”

And Jayne is determined to see that Alison leaving school won’t be the end of their 
bond.

She said: “I’ve built up such a strong relationship with the family and we’re looking at ways to keep on raising money and helping Alison.”

Related topics:BlackpoolMorrisons