The Campbell College community has raised an incredible £38,613.42 in memory of much-loved pupil Adam Prentice, through a remarkable fundraising campaign that united pupils, staff, parents, local businesses and the wider community.

The total includes £32,387.04 in donations and a further £6,226.38 in Gift Aid, all in support of research into medulloblastoma, the rare and aggressive brain tumour that Adam battled for much of his young life.

A key part of the fundraising effort was an extraordinary charity skydive undertaken by four members of staff – David Gilliland, Sharon Johnston, Ryan Livingston and Edel McInerney – who leapt from 15,000 feet in Adam's memory.

Originally planned as a 10,000-foot jump, the team decided on the day to upgrade to 15,000 feet, adding an extra dose of adrenaline to what had already become a much-anticipated challenge.

The skydive itself followed months of setbacks. Aircraft delays, poor weather and repeated postponements tested everyone's patience. At one stage, Mrs McInerney even suffered a broken shoulder, threatening her participation altogether.

Yet despite every obstacle, the team persevered.

Speaking after the jump, Mrs McInerney joked: "As a Physics teacher, I have spent years teaching students about terminal velocity. Experiencing it first-hand is something entirely different."

"The freefall was terrifying, exhilarating and strangely peaceful all at the same time. It is an experience none of us will ever forget."

In a further source of amusement for supporters following the event, only three members of the team landed in the designated field.

"Mr Livingston appeared to conduct some additional landing research several fields away," laughed Mrs McInerney. "Thankfully everyone landed safely, if not exactly where they were supposed to."

However, while the skydive captured the imagination of the school community, it represented only one element of a much broader fundraising campaign driven by the Campbell College community and supported by many others beyond the school.

Throughout the year, pupils and staff organised an impressive programme of events in Adam's memory.

The Campbell College Hockey Community, through the popular Hockey Hut initiative, raised a remarkable £1,000. Tuck shops at school performances and show evenings, collections at school services, Fundraising Fridays and a hugely successful Masked Singer event during Wellbeing Week all contributed significantly to the growing total.

Local businesses and community organisations also rallied behind the campaign. Carryduff Building Supplies donated £1,000, Classic and Autotest Motor Club contributed £500, while RK Trucks Centre provided additional support.

The fundraising effort extended far beyond the school gates.

Teacher Alison Noble undertook an extraordinary personal challenge, swimming 600 lengths – a total of 15 kilometres –in memory of Adam. She described Adam as “a young man who continued to attend school throughout treatment, refusing to let illness define him”.

That determination was something familiar to everyone who knew Adam.

In August 2025, Campbell College lost not only a pupil but a cherished member of its community.

Adam had battled cancer for most of his life, yet he remained a constant source of positivity, humour and inspiration.

Staff remember a boy who wanted nothing more than to live life like any other schoolboy.

He attended classes, completed homework, joined activities, made friendships that will endure long beyond his years at Campbell and, as many teachers fondly recall, took particular delight in keeping staff on their toes with his quick wit and mischievous sense of humour.

His courage and resilience left a lasting impression on everyone who met him.

"Adam never wanted sympathy," said Mr. Gilliand, his tutor "He wanted to come to school, learn, spend time with his friends and enjoy life. His sense of humour was legendary. He brought joy to people every day."

"Even during the most difficult periods of treatment, he showed a level of courage that most adults would struggle to find."

The funds raised will support research into medulloblastoma and help provide hope for other families facing similar diagnoses.

For Adam's family, friends and the wider Campbell community, the campaign has become a fitting tribute to a remarkable young man whose legacy continues to inspire.

"The money is incredible," Mrs Johnston reflected. "But what has touched us most is seeing so many people come together."

"Parents, pupils, staff, former pupils, local businesses, sports clubs and friends of the College all wanted to play a part. Every donation, every event and every message of support was made because Adam mattered to people."

"More than £38,000 is a phenomenal achievement, but behind every pound is a story of someone who wanted to honour Adam's memory and help other children facing the same battle."

As the final donations continue to arrive, Adam's legacy remains firmly woven into the fabric of Campbell College.

A young man remembered for his humour, kindness and courage has inspired an entire community to make a difference.

And thanks to the combined efforts of the College community and supporters across the wider community, his story will continue to bring hope to others for many years to come.

Once a Campbell boy, always a Campbell boy.