A WEE COUNTY school has been nominated for an award to recognise their fundraising efforts in the fight against cancer.

Alva Academy, who have amassed around £500,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support over the years, have been nominated for Voluntary Fundraising Group of the Year at the Scottish Fundraising Awards.

The school have been hosting mammoth charity drives every year with coffee mornings and other events throughout the school calendar.

David Clifford, who supports the pupils in their efforts alongside his wife Kirsty and colleague Shiona Finn, was shocked by the nomination.

He told the Advertiser: “Bizarrely, it took us by surprise when we saw it on Twitter.

“It’s incredibly humbling and it’s always lovely when somebody recognises the work done, especially by children, who are doing something so selfless and raising awareness and money for people they will never know.

“It kind of epitomises why we do what we do so for someone to recognise and nominate us and for us to be shortlisted, it’s lovely recognition for the pupils, for their families, for the staff, the school and the whole community because it is now a huge community effort every single year.

“We are very proud to say what we’ve achieved every single year but ultimately it’s about, from our point of view, trying to give the pupils the skills throughout their fundraising to develop their confidence and create memories before they leave school.”

The school aren’t aware who have nominated them for their award.

Michelle Campbell, Relationship Fundraising manager for Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “I’m delighted to see Alva in the shortlist for Voluntary Fundraising Group of the Year.

“This is very well deserved as they have continued to support Macmillan for over 20 years, raising over £450,000.

“In this time they have not just got the full school involved they have engaged the local community, schools, care home and corporate organisations.

“Mr Clifford, Mrs Clifford and Miss Finn are a true inspiration to all the pupils in the school especially the 6th year pupils who are the main organisers of their large Macmillan Coffee Morning and many more events throughout September each year.

“Macmillan is doing whatever it takes to support people with cancer: we’re at the end of the phone, we’re online, Macmillan volunteers are supporting people through treatment, and our Macmillan health professionals are working tirelessly across the UK.

“But we can’t do it alone, and we rely almost entirely on public donations like those Alva Academy have raised to make a difference.

“So, thank you to everyone involved, and congratulations.”

The award show will take place during the Chartered Institute of Fundraising Scottish Fundraising Conference between June 9 and 10 this year.

Visit scottishfundraisingconference.org.uk for tickets to the event.