CHILDREN at a Barrow primary school left their uniforms at home as they dressed up in pink to raise awareness of breast cancer following their teacher’s diagnosis.

Teachers at St Pius X Catholic Primary School rallied around to organise the non-school uniform day after 33-year-old teacher, Danielle Fitzsimons, was diagnosed with breast cancer just over two weeks ago.

The Year Two teacher had her first session of chemotherapy at Furness General Hospital on Thursday.

As part of the day, the school arranged numerous activities for the children to take part in including designing their own breast cancer awareness T-shirts.

Headteacher Amy Bates said: “We didn’t even ask for any donations and we have had more than when we do ask.

“It just shows how loved Danielle is by all the school. Everyone has made an effort.”

Miss Fitzsimons’ younger brother, Dan Webber, 26, of Lorne Road, Barrow, was at the school to show his support. He said: “It is brilliant. Everyone’s generosity just shows the support we have had and how much Danielle is loved by everyone.

“Just seeing all the children and even the parents dressed in pink, it is so emotional and brilliant to see everyone raising awareness.”

Mr Webber’s six-year-old daughter, Izzabella, arrived at school dressed in a bright pink tutu, glittery pink hat and a pink T-shirt which read: “My auntie is awesome”.

Mr Webber said: “Izzabella is on the autistic spectrum so she is very unaware of what is going on at the moment but she is picking up on slight changes and people’s mood.”

Eight-year-old Keaton Baker’s grandmother Angela hand-stitched a number of pink breast cancer logos into a heart shape on to a top for him to wear to the event.