Inspired in class by the Japanese story of Sadako Sasaki, the Buninyong grade six duo have been busily folding away in a bid to raise $1000 for cancer research by the end of the month.

“Sadako was diagnosed with leukaemia while she was in hospital, she tried to make 1000 paper cranes to make a wish,” Phoebe said. “That’s why we chose to support Fiona Elsey (Cancer Research Institute), because Fiona was about Sadako’s age when she died and she showed huge courage throughout her illness.”

The pair have made about 600 cranes, some made with their eyes closed, and without sustaining any paper cuts. They plan to donate all 1000 to FECRI for a display and will hosting a school footy day and community tin rattling to reach their fund-raising goal and help fulfil Sadako and Fiona’s wish that no more people have to suffer cancer. Donate via www.feci.org.au using label “1000 cranes”.