At Surbiton High School, we are proud of the way our community comes together to support causes that matter, and this year, the Boys’ Preparatory School has focused its charitable efforts on supporting a range of cancer charities. So far, pupils have taken part in a Charity Skipathon for Cancer Research, baked and sold cakes for Macmillan Cancer Support, and are preparing for a Summer Term full of fundraising activities, including stalls and a Non-Uniform Day.
This focus is in part inspired by the work and lived experience of Mrs Hannah Dillon, our dedicated Year 5 Teacher at the Boys’ Preparatory School.
“Sometimes life throws up unexpected challenges, but how you bounce back from them often makes you a stronger person. Many of you know my back story, but I wanted to let you know how I was helped by Macmillan Cancer Support.
When I was told my diagnosis was cancer, the first nurse to support me and my young family was a Macmillan nurse named Erica. She sat with us for an hour and a half giving us time to process such devastating news, answering questions and reassuring us. When I had to have surgery, she visited me every day (Covid restrictions meant no external visitors were allowed – and I love a chat, so thank goodness she came in!). She was our go-to person for support.
During chemotherapy, I took advantage of the offer of counselling from Macmillan to help with the mental support and strength needed to get through it. So that is how 2021 to 2023 panned out for me.
In recovery, I decided I wanted to give something back, and that is when I got involved with charitable organisation The Fruitfly Collective, joining the Steering Committee for a project known as Parenting with Cancer. I realised that being a parent and a cancer patient was a unique situation that had not previously been supported, so I set about developing resources, coaching, and putting together practical ideas for parent patients. I am delighted that I have also been able to share practical ideas and support tools for schools by way of workshops within the staffing teams at the Boys’ Preparatory and Girls’ Preparatory Schools, as well as the Senior School. I hope that these tools will not only help our staff as parents but go even further by supporting any of their pupils who may have family members currently living with a cancer diagnosis. For more information, visit the Fruitfly Collective.”
We are incredibly proud of Mrs Hannah Dillon and her commitment to supporting her local community both inside and outside the classroom. She is not only dedicated to her role as an educator but also to remarkable causes that make a real difference in the lives of young people who have parents with a cancer diagnosis.
Categories: Boys' Prep Boys' Prep School Staff Information