Pupils and staff at Breadsall Hill Top Primary School in Derby hosted their very own penalty shootout on Wednesday 14^th July called ‘A Goal for Amera’ to raise money to support the research and awareness of Niemann-Pick Type C disease. The Year 2 class had to score as many penalties as they could in 15 minutes. In total 1,500 penalties were scored by the class. The school has raised more than £2,405 for the charity with more funds due to come in as headteacher Mr Lawrence is running the Robin Hood Half Marathon this September in honour of this cause.

Amera Adeyemo, aged 7 was diagnosed with Niemann-Pick Type C disease in August 2020 which affects around 100 people worldwide. Niemann-Pick Type C is a life-limiting neurodegenerative disease caused by an accumulation of lipids (fats) in the liver, brain and spleen.

Jessica Kearney, Amera’s mother attended the event and said:

“The school has been extremely understanding and accommodating to fulfil all of Amera needs whilst still treating her as a normal child despite the impact Niemann-Pick has on her. She has two carers at school called Jenna and Nicola, who I appreciate so much, I can happily go into work knowing my daughter is in safe hands. Amera was diagnosed just before she was due to return back to school after the six weeks holidays, I did consider putting Amera into a SEN school, however Breadsall Hill Top has fulfilled all her needs and continue to go above and beyond.”

“We as a family are still in a bubble about this diagnosis and it still feels so surreal, but we will do everything we can to ensure Amera beats this battle as well as giving her the best quality of life.”

Matt Lawrence, head teacher at Breadsall Hill Top Primary School said:

“I believe that schools should be at the heart of the community, and I also believe that when communities experience tougher times, we automatically pull together. At Breadsall Hill Top we have always wanted to position the school as an important part of the community, and I want the community to feel like they have some ownership of us. Working with Amera’s family has been extremely rewarding as we are educating ourselves, our children and the community all together.”

“The children at this school are amazing, not only because they see the world differently to adults and they live in the moment, but also in the way they truly care about each other. They are aware Amera is unwell, but they live life by taking each day as it comes. During the event the children totally embraced what it was all about, and we made ‘A Goal for Amera’ a celebration. It was Amera’s choice to hold a penalty shootout challenge as she’s a huge football fan. I’m so proud of everyone for taking part and it was a joy to see Amera’s family at the side of the pitch cheering everyone on too.”

To boost funding and awareness, the school also had badges made for Amera as well as t-shirts which pupils and parents were able to buy.

If you would like to hear more about Amera’s journey, please visit her Facebook page here. Donations are still being accepted, if you would like to donate, please contact Breadsall Hill Top Primary School via email:admin@bhtp.derby.sch.uk