Race is tribute to the life of Katy

Park School teachers will take part in Race for Life as a tribute to beloved S4 pupil Katy who lost her brave battle with cancer

- ELINA KOBZAR

Park School teachers are set to take part in Race for Life as a heartfelt tribute to Katy Hay, a beloved S4 pupil who passed away after a courageous battle with cancer.

Fifteen-year-old Katy sadly lost her battle last month after fighting one of the rarest and most aggressive forms of bone cancer for the past year.

The event, which raises money to fund life-saving cancer research, will see the Park School team running and walking in Katy's name.

Julie Martin, one of the teachers taking part, got a leaflet through her door about the Race for Life in Ayr.

Julie asked on the WhatsApp group if any of the teachers would be interested in taking part.

From that suggestion the idea of doing it for Katy sprang up.

Alanah Robb, who was Katy's key teacher, took charge of the JustGiving page and Claire Matthews, the other S4 key teacher, took charge of the more publicity and marketing aspects of finding funding.

On behalf of the school Alanah and Claire shared with The Standard: “We are all excited and nervous about doing it in equal measure. Planning for this and getting Katy's story out there to raise money for Cancer Research has given us a purpose and made us feel that we are helping in a horribly sad and tragic time.

“Words cannot express how devastated we are by the loss of Katy.

“We are a small, tight-knit school, more like a family really.

“Katy will be sorely missed by staff and pupils alike.

“We are finding it very difficult to come to terms with this painful end to Katy’s young life.

“As a family we will support each other and ensure that Katy’s spirit lives on within our community.”