Students have chosen Teenage Cancer Trust as Highfields’ nominated charity for the academic year.

All 1,500 pupils voted from a shortlist of three charities to become the focus of their fundraising efforts and are now preparing to host a series of events to raise thousands of pounds for their chosen cause.

Teenage Cancer Trust helps young people battling cancer and was catapulted into the attention of millions of people across the world thanks to the efforts of inspirational Staffordshire teenager Stephen Sutton. Stephen chronicled his battle with bowel cancer - and the enormous help and support the charity had given him - before his death in May 2014 at the age of 19. Stephen's 'Thumbs Up' campaign won the praise of superstars, comedians and high-profile politicians including Prime Minister David Cameron, with his efforts helping to raise £5.5 million for the charity that supported him throughout his illness.

Mrs L Corbett, Community Engagement Officer at Highfields, said: “The students were all given the chance to vote for what charity they would like to raise funds for over the next year and have selected Teenage Cancer Trust.

“The charity does a wonderful job in supporting young people battling cancer and we will do as much as we can to raise thousands of pounds for this wonderful cause.”

Highfields students raised more than £2,500 for last year’s nominated charity, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, as well as another £2,000 for other good causes including Comic Relief, and are determined to make another huge difference with their efforts for Teenage Cancer Trust.

A number of fundraising events will be staged throughout the year. A competition to guess the weight of a pumpkin during the Autumn Festival kicked off the fundraising activities.