Lakelands Academy will be having an extra non uniform day this Friday (March 23) to help raise money for a life-changing operation for one of it’s students.

It is not unusual for Lakelands to donate money raised from various days and event, to charitable organisations, but this time the cause is particularly close to their hearts.

Lakelands Academy Year 9 student Tom Lake, has Quadriplegic Spastic Cerebral Palsy. Tom is a familiar figure round school, and he takes an active part in school life.

Despite the daily frustrations Tom has to contend with, he is an extremely bright young man, with a wicked sense of humour.

Recently, there has been an exciting development. Tom’s neurologist has assessed him and has said that an operation called Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) is an option for him, and could greatly improve Tom’s quality of life. He will overcome just some of the difficulties that he has to deal with on a daily basis.

However, the NHS does not fund this operation for everyone, and it will cost £16,000 - plus £9,000 for intense physiotherapy and equipment.

Assistant headteacher, Sophy Bellis said: “Lakelands Academy wants to help Thomas and his family on their fundraising journey, and a non-uniform day seemed like a good way for our community to show support.”