MP Oliver Heald helped pupils at Reed First School start their week to raise money for charity. Mr Heald dropped by on Monday to get the school started on Cancertalk Week, which aims to open up the classroom and talk about the issues surrounding cancer. T

MP Oliver Heald helped pupils at Reed First School start their week to raise money for charity. Mr Heald dropped by on Monday to get the school started on Cancertalk Week, which aims to open up the classroom and talk about the issues surrounding cancer. The week will be rounded off with a sponsored silence tomorrow (Friday) to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Relief. Children at the school are also taking part in the Big Hush story writing competition. Headteacher Alison Thomas said: "We're going to have a competition to see who can stay quietest the longest, and a prize will be given to the child who does. "We're going to raise money by holding a tuck shop after the silence." Mr Heald said: "It is always a pleasure to visit Reed School. "I particularly wanted to congratulate the children and teachers for taking part in the Big Hush on Friday. It is difficult for children - and politicians - to keep silent for any length of time but this is in a very good cause." Macmillan community fund-raiser for Hertfordshire, Michelle de la Bertauche, said: "This is a fun event that children love and - not surprisingly - so do teachers. "It is also a great learning experience for both teachers and students and we hope to not only raise awareness but provide an open forum for students to talk about cancer where they can separate fact from fiction.