A SCHOOL in Nelson is having a balloon release to mark the start of fund-raising in memory of girl who died of cancer.

In total 280 eco-friendly pink balloons will be released at Whitefield Infant School and Nursery Unit tomorrow to launch the start of the ‘Princess Lina’ fund.

Lina Imran, seven, a former school pupil, died of neuroblastoma, a cancer of the nervous system, in January.

The school have set up the ‘Princess Lina’ fund, to raise money to buy a cherry blossom tree and picnic bench with a further £1,000 going to the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital in Pendlebury where Lina was treated.

Staff, pupil and parents are set to watch the 280 balloons be released by Lina’s parents at 11am in the school’s nursery unit grounds.

All the children in the school will have their own balloon with their first name written on and a contact number for people to call if they find it.

Lina, of Carr Road, Nelson, suffered from the disease for two years before her death.

Head teacher Ethna Cummings said: “Lina’s parents will be saying a few words before the balloons are released.

“It will be very emotional for them. We wanted them to know that she is still in our hearts and that we remember all the lovely things about her. She will always be remembered for her lovely smile.

“She loved being at school and learning and was always cheerful, even through her worst days.

“She wanted to be a princess and her favourite colour was pink so we thought it would be appropriate to release pink balloons.”

The school is hoping to raise £400 through the balloon release and is also holding other events during the term to try and raise the remainder of the money.

Ethna added: “Reception class are taking part in a decathlon of sports in the playground, year one are doing a sponsored walk of 10 laps around Victoria Park and year two are having a tea party for their parents and will be making all the food for it.”

Teaching staff from the school are also set to walk the three peaks of Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough on Saturday, June 27 to raise money for the fund.