St Benedict's College fundraising for Monique Buckingham

St Benedict’s College in Colchester has an ongoing campaign to raise money for ex-student Monique Buckingham, 26.

Monique, from Colchester, was just 21 when she was diagnosed with advanced bowel cancer in 2017.

Now, she is seeking to raise £200,000 to fund treatment which could prolong her life, and her old school is helping to raise money.

Senior tutor at the school Tom Rafter said: “People have kept in touch through the college and her current state came to our notice.

“We are trying to raise money for life lengthening treatment, and she is our main focus right now.”

The school has put on several events so far and are planning more.

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Mr Rafter added: “We did a staff bake sale and that took nearly £100.

“We had a non-uniform day for World Book Day, everyone bought in money for Monique, and we took in excess of £1,500 that day.

“At the moment we are also running a guess the rabbit's name game. We are also going to be doing a staff car wash, a sponsored walk that some of the students are organising, and I am going to be running a half marathon.”

The school hope this appeal will also spread the message to the students that they are supported even after they leave St Benedict’s.

Mr Rafter said: “It has been a powerful and poignant message in the assemblies, where we showed pics of her in her school photos, at prom, and the last one we showed is one of her now.

“We wanted to show them this would happen for any of the students that left, reinforce we are a community even after you leave, and we look after each other, ex staff and students alike.”

Headteacher Jo Santinelli added: “Our sense of community and care for our students, past and present, extends far beyond our college gates and into their futures.”

You can support Monique at gofundme.com/f/thelifeofmique.