SCHOOLCHILDREN took part in a fundraising football match to support a pupil who tragically lost both parents in quick succession.

Olly Fulcher has just reached the end of his time at Highwoods Community Primary School in Colchedster and is set to start at the Gilberd School in September.

Before leaving, he arranged the special footie match for friends in Year 6 to raise funds for Cancer Research UK.

Olly experienced an emotional and painful time shortly before joining the school nearly two years ago, losing dad Gary to cancer and then mum Emma to heart complications.

Gazette: Giving their all - Year 6 children at Highwoods Community Primary School took part in a special fundraising football match organised by Olly Fulcher

Before moving on, he wanted to organise the match to remember his parents and support the people who supported his family.

The school bought medals for all the players and a memorial trophy that Olly, who captained one of the teams, will be able to take with him for future matches at the Gilberd.

Highwoods School head teacher Paul Disley said: “There are no words to quantify Olly’s loss.

“What I can say is that the moment we met him and his family, we knew he was an incredible young man, full of such courage, kindness and warmth.

Gazette: Giving their all - Year 6 children at Highwoods Community Primary School took part in a special fundraising football match organised by Olly Fulcher

“Our main aim was to raise awareness and support him and his family, moving forward.

“Olly decided the charity he wanted to support was Cancer Research UK.

“We wanted to support him and recognise it’s a cause that touches the lives of many of our families and community.

“The school purchased medals for participants and a memorial trophy that will follow Olly into secondary school, where hopefully a memorial match can be held every year at the Gilberd.”

Gazette: Giving their all - Year 6 children at Highwoods Community Primary School took part in a special fundraising football match organised by Olly Fulcher

Pupils made a donation to play in the match and some contributed just to watch the action unfold on the school field.

“It made us incredibly proud to support Olly with this project,” added Mr Disley.

“The kindness, empathy and maturity the children in his class showed was incredible.”

Olly is now cared for by sister Chloe Renno, 28.

Gazette: Giving their all - Year 6 children at Highwoods Community Primary School took part in a special fundraising football match organised by Olly Fulcher

She said: “The match was a great success.

“Olly was proud to captain his team and, with the help of staff and parents, we managed to raise £452 for Cancer Research UK.

“It was lovely to see the teams play football and their sportsmanship and overall play was amazing.

“They should be proud of themselves.

“Thank you to everyone that donated. It really means a lot.”

READ MORE: