SOPHIE ATAY APPEAL

That this House supports Whickham School's 2009 annual charity week, led by co-chairs Jess Emmerson and Sarah Bilton and vice-chairs Lucy Zwolinska and Andrew Gallagher which aims to raise money for the Sophie Atay Appeal; notes that two year old Sophie has been diagnosed at a high risk stage of a rare and aggressive form of cancer called Neuroblastoma; further notes that this cancer has survival rates as low as 20 per cent.; that her family have found a hospital in New York where the chances of survival could soar to between 80 and 90 per cent.; applauds the students' initiative in devising a wide variety of fundraising ideas including a Sing for Sophie battle of the bands, tuck shops, car washes, t-shirt sales, a curry night and an X-Factor style competition running with special guest Big Brother's Charlie Drummond judging the final; and wishes all those involved great success in raising money for this vital cause.