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The Castle Partnership of schools in Haverhill raised over £1,000 through a non-uniform day on Friday, October 1, in aid of the Jeans For Genes charity.

By taking part, students help children whose lives are seriously affected by genetic disorders.

Students at Place Farm wore jeans and smart tops, while students at Castle Hill and Castle Manor wore blue or black jeans with their uniform tops.

One in 33 children in the UK is born with a genetic disorder or birth defect – that’s on average one per class.

There are more than 4,000 recognised genetic disorders and there are countless others which doctors have yet to identify. Many of these conditions have no current treatment and many more have no cure.

During the last 14 years, the charity has raised more than £30million.

Every amount raised goes towards much-needed work or equiopment.
•£50 will pay for a check on home mould levels for children vulnerable to fungal infections.
•£250 will pay for a reclining chair which allows a child to sit comfortably during a four-hour infusion of life-saving drugs.
•£750 will pay for a day’s work by a laboratory genetics researcher.

More than half of all childhood deaths in the UK are related to genetic disorders.

Alison Weston, community cohesion co-ordinator for Castle Manor Business and Enterprise College, said: "This year we raised £1,178 between our three schools, topping last year's total.

"I am really pleased that so many of our students chose to take part and raise these much-needed funds, especially at a time when we are all feeling the effects of the current economic climate. I would like to congratulate and thank everyone who took part and supported the charity."