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Pupils set to 'lobby' the Queen
Crowds turning out to see the Queen visit Longridge will be lobbied by youngsters supporting a friend battling cancer.
Staff and pupils from St Cecilia's RC Technology College in Longridge are staging a hats and wigs day in support of 12-year-old Anna Griffin who has bone cancer.
Anna was diagnosed when she hurt her knee playing netball. Although she wasn't seriously injured, her GP dad and pharmacist mum decided to have the knee X-rayed and the cancer was uncovered.
Another pupil, Alex Wignall, died last year from the disease.
The day has been organised by Anna's classmates, who will be lining the streets and rattling their buckets to welcome the Queen on her official visit to the town on Thursday.
Anna has been undergoing chemotherapy for the past six months and will be having an operation to replace part of her knee joint on Thursday as her friends spread their message.
Her form tutor, Caroline Hinitt, said: "Anna is a lovely girl and her friends wanted to do something for her.
"Bone cancer isn't something which is easy to diagnose in children because it can be mistaken for growing pains.
"Anna is the second pupil from this school to suffer it so it is close to our hearts.
"We are all going to line the streets and the children will be wearing badges and waving balloons."
Caroline added: "Anna was lucky because she fell and it was found early but the school is keen to raise awareness.
"Pupils are paying to wear the hats and wigs and we will be out with collecting buckets at the Queen's visit."
Anna's dad, Berry Lane Medical Centre GP Steve Griffin, said: "The symptoms that might indicate bone cancer are persistent pain and swelling of a bone.
"Children of this age group frequently complain of some bone and joint pains which is often attributed to growing pains.
"If parents or children are concerned by these symptoms they should consult their GP for advice.
"I would not want parents to become over-anxious as bone cancers remain very rare."
Some of Anna's friends were due to take part in today's Preston Race for Life and next year, after Anna's treatment has been completed, her dad hopes to undertake a Land's End to John O' Groats cycle ride to raise funds for charity.
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Weather for Preston
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Light sleet
Temperature: 3 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 2 C to 4 C
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