Sudbury’s Woodhall Primary School takes ‘steps for Stephen’ in aid of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospice, in memory of Stephen Pinder, who died of cancer

The memory of a seven-year-old boy, who lost his life to cancer, lives large at a Sudbury school community, which is organising a sponsored walk for the charity that supported him.

Woodhall Primary School is staging ‘Steps for Stephen’ – a pair of charity walks, one for children and the other for adults – at the end of February and the start of March.

The fund-raising initiative is in honour of Woodhall pupil Stephen Pinder who died in November, just a few months after receiving a terminal diagnosis of a rare and aggressive form of cancer.

During this time, Stephen and his family received support from East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (Each), which helps youngsters with serious illnesses and their loved ones.

Harriet French, a Year 5 teacher at Woodhall Primary School, said the whole community had rallied behind Stephen’s mum, Carly Shelby, and his brothers Jason and Owen, who are also pupils at the school.

“Stephen was the most smiley, happy-go-lucky and gorgeous little boy,” she said.

“He always wanted to be around people and he loved school. Even in the depths of his illness, he wanted to be at school.

“As a school, we reflected on how it had affected everyone, so we wanted to do something to raise money for Each. The charity worked closely with Stephen when he was poorly and it meant a lot to his mum.

“Everyone at the school, even people who didn’t know Stephen that well, has been so supportive. It has been a real team effort.

“Everyone has come together for this beautiful little boy and we want to do the best we can to keep his memory going.”

Stephen was diagnosed in September, at around the start of the current academic year, with a high-grade glioma – a fast-growing type of brain tumour.

He was assisted by Each in the final months of his life and he was also treated to a special day out with Sudbury Police in October, allowing him to live out his dream of becoming a police officer.

His funeral took place on December 14, with a tribute from mum Carly stating: “He is much loved and will always be remembered for his bright smiles, laughter and endless hugs.

“He was very strong and brave throughout his illness.”

To keep Stephen’s memory alive and to give back to the charity, pupils will be taking part in a sponsored walk around their school field on February 28.

The following day, on March 1, teachers and staff will make a 10-kilometre trek on foot, departing from the Henny Swan pub at 11.30am, with the Melford Swan serving as the finishing line.

All those taking part in the two walks will be wearing specially-designed ‘Steps for Stephen’ shirts.

Alongside this, Stephen’s family have raised more than £1,500 through an online donations page in his memory.

Anybody who would like to donate towards the cause can do so by going online to the dedicated website at stephen-pinder.muchloved.com.

Proceeds will be shared between Each and the Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group.