A T-SHIRT competition raised funds for a cancer respite charity.

Kingsclere piano teacher Vanessa Martin-Adams organised a musical T-shirt design competition for her pupils earlier this year to raise funds for the charity Sail 4 Cancer, which is based in the village.

After an enthusiastic response from pupils and a tough judging decision, 14-year-old Rosie Smith, of Garrett Close, Kingsclere, was chosen as the winner.

Her design included the message “When words fail, music speaks” and this was printed on T-shirts which were sold at the pupils’ summer concert, raising £160.

Sail 4 Cancer takes individuals and families living with cancer on respite trips and the sum raised is equivalent to the amount needed to send a young cancer patient on an action-packed weekend sailing trip.

These experiences can play a major role in renewing the youngsters’ confidence and self-esteem, taking them away from the seemingly endless round of hospital appointments and treatment and giving them the opportunity to have some fun in an exhilarating environment.

Mrs Martin-Adams, who teaches the piano privately and at local schools, is also planning to hold a musical extravaganza next June in support of Sail 4 Cancer and other local charities.

Cathy Jenkins, family liaison manager at Sail 4 Cancer, said: “We would like to thank Vanessa and her pupils and their families for their wonderful ongoing support for the charity.”

More information about Sail 4 Cancer is at sail4cancer.org, or by calling 0845 408 1849.