Somersfield Academy Student Sachio Harrison Leads Fundraising Effort for Cancer Charities

Sachio Harrison, 15, on the day of the walkathon at Somersfield Academy. He raised $16,785.66 for charities the LCCA and PALS.

January 21, 2015 — Teenager Sachio Harrison wanted to raise money for cancer charities but knew his efforts alone wouldn’t be enough.

He inspired the entire student body at Somersfield Academy to help him achieve his goal and together they raised $16,785.66.

The money will be divided between Lady Cubitt Compassionate Association and PALS.

Both charities have helped his family. LCCA especially helped his father Wesley with medical expenses after doctors found a benign tumour in his brain five years ago.

The 15-year-old organised the walkathon as part of the personal project required by all students in their final year at the Devonshire school.

The school’s youngest students did laps around the school field; the older students ran three miles.

“Just before the walkathon on December 19, the total was $8,000,” Sachio said. “I was a bit disappointed. I thought is that all? My goal was $15,000. I forgot people do things at the last minute.”

The funds more than doubled by the day of the event.

Somersfield Academy student Sachio Harrison, 15, hopes to raise $15,000 for the LCCA and PALS through a school-wide walkathon. (Photo by Nicola Muirhead)

“I would encourage everyone to do something like this in their lifetime,” Sachio said. “It is great to just give back to the community. I want to tell everyone thank you, thank you so much for raising all this money. It was truly a memorable event. I couldn’t have done it without the school and community helping me.”

His parents, Danielle and Wesley Harrison turned out for the event along with four of his siblings.

“My father was really proud that we were giving back to these charities,” Sachio said.

“The hard part was making sure that the teachers were in the right places along the route to act as marshals for the older students,” he said. “The younger students, even the [three to five-year-olds] took part. I walked a couple of laps around the field with them. All the little ones were calling my name.”

Sachio Harrison, 15, middle with his family on walkathon day. He is shown here with his mother Danielle and father Wesley and siblings (from left) Zuri, 8, Ari 10 and Zaya, 4. Missing from the photo are siblings Zion and Chen.

A RenaissanceRe employee donated $200; her company donated $800. Sachio was especially touched when a lady in her 90s donated $20. It was all she could afford and she gave it in memory of her son who died from a brain tumour.

“We went around to her house and had a chat,” he said. “She was very nice.”

Josai Williams 13, raised more money than any other Somersfield student — $395.

“I thanked him personally,” said Sachio. “I never knew how much work it took to raise money for charity. It has made me really appreciate people who do fundraising throughout the year. It has really broadened my experience of this area.”

He hopes to eventually become an actuary.

LCCA executive director Veronica Harvey and PALS president Ann Smith Gordon had glowing praise for Sachio.

“He is a smart, articulate young man who cares about people,” said Ms Harvey. “He learned from the challenges his family faced with paying for medical treatment that his father required. This touched his spirit and inspired him to try to help others. I look at him as a young man who has a very positive attitude and a bright future ahead of him.”

Ms Smith Gordon said Sachio had several meetings with PALS and she suggested organising a walkathon.

“I wish there were more young men like him,” she said. “He is a charming, honest, intelligent and caring young man. I cannot thank him enough for his interest, hard work and remembering PALS in this very special way.”

When asked if it was common for young people to donate so much money she said: “I should say not!”

For more information visit www.lcca.bm or www.PALS.bm.

Originally published in The Royal Gazette.