Year 11 students from Lowton High School recently gave a presentation about the Think Ahead Stroke Group to a panel from The Youth and Philanthropy Initiative (YPI) – which raises awareness of grass roots charities.

And the panel was so impressed by the group of five pupils that it will be making a £3,000 grant to The Think Ahead Stroke Group in June at a special ceremony in London.

The success has been particularly special to youngsters Ella Goodland and Helen Trumble, who each had a grandparent die following a stroke.
Ella, 16, said: "You can really tell that the staff from Think Ahead care about what they do and we can see the positive impact they have on people's lives."

Helen, also 16, added: "It would have been really nice if my grandparents could have had the help and support that Think Ahead provides, which is the reason we chose to support them."

The students began preparing for their presentation in September 2008 – spending their time meeting with the charity's staff and members to understand the organisation's needs and the support given to local people affected by strokes.

Carol Sankey, Think Ahead charity administrator, said: "It was amazing to work with the students at Lowton High School because I feel that the youth of today can sometimes get bad press.

"These students really cared about the programme and they were enthusiastic about helping our members."

Joining Ella and Helen in the group were Emma Gradwell, Katie Brown and Adam Elliott.

John McHugh, head of citizenship at Lowton High School, on Newton Road,
said: "Seeing how motivated our students were to help Think Ahead made me very proud to be their teacher."

The YPI is an international programme designed to develop future community leaders.

Emily Miller, YPI spokeswoman said: "I was really impressed by the presentation.
"I enjoyed working with the pupils and seeing their passion for their chosen charity.

"We are looking forward to working with more schools and charities in the area next year."