Old Sodbury student uses writing talents to raise awareness of Alzheimer's (From Gazette Series)

Old Sodbury student uses writing talents to raise awareness of Alzheimer's

3:30pm Wednesday 17th March 2010 in

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SUPER student Ashley White is using her writing talents to raise awareness of a charity close to her heart.

Seventeen-year-old success story Ashley, from Old Sodbury, penned a 2,500-word essay about her grandfather’s progressive struggle with Alzheimer’s and its impact on her family. The Westonbirt School student, who last year topped the national tables for GCSE results, is now helping to raise money for local Alzheimer’s charity BRACE.

After winning the school’s annual St John’s essay prize with the story of her grandfather Norman Chappin, who died in 2004, she organised a non-uniform day raising £200 for BRACE. She also took part in Hogweed Trotters’ hilly half-marathon on Sunday.

Ashley said: "Alzheimer’s research is woefully underfunded. It is a disease which affects so many people but is a silent killer compared with more high profile diseases which hit the headlines. It deserves much more support."

Ashley achieved 11 GCSEs at A* with 100 percent in every subject while she was a student at Brimsham Green School in Yate. She also achieved the best overall attainment in Key Stage 3 examinations in South Gloucestershire and represented her school in every sports team from Year 7 onwards.

Northavon MP Steve Webb met Ashley last week to hear more about the work she is doing in support of BRACE.

"I am very impressed that Ashley and her fellow pupils have been motivated to raise money for such a worthwhile cause as BRACE, and I am delighted that young people are taking such an interest in a condition which mainly affects older people," said Mr Webb.

Local people wanting to support Ashley’s fundraising efforts can sponsor her via the website www.justgiving.com/Ashley-White