THE lives of more than 70 suffering children are set to be transformed thanks to the fundraising efforts of schoolchildren in Farnworth.

Year Seven pupils at Harper Green School in Farnworth were so moved by the devastating effects of leprosy — and struck by how easy it is to cure — that they were determined to help.

The youngsters were given a talk by the Lepra charity which works worldwide to eradicate leprosy and the pupils collected money in support of the charity’s work.

The pupils’ activities raised £1,504 — which means dozens of children will be cured of the disease.

Tom Gilchrist, the head of Year Seven, said: “The presentation was very powerful and the pupils learned about how leprosy is still a large problem in many parts of the world, how it is spread and how easy it is to cure.

“Pupils have so far raised more than £1,500 for Lepra. For every £21 raised. one person can be cured of leprosy. So far, the Year Seven pupils have raised enough money to cure more than 70 people.”

In acknowledgement of their efforts, Lepra presented the school with a plaque.

Jacqueline Fairbairn, community fundraiser for Lepra in the North West, said: “Congratulations to Harper Green School on donating £1,504 to Lepra. This fantastic amount will help is cure 71 children of this awful disease.

“The school has raised not only awareness of leprosy, but changed lives whilst doing so. This could only have been achieved by a dedicated team at the school —including Mr Gilcrest and all Year Seven staff, and, most importantly, the kind, generous pupils.”