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Denim and DNA as school children raise funds for Jeans for Genes Day

ByEmily

Oct 15, 2016

A County Durham primary school teamed up with a leading DNA testing company to show its support for Jeans for Genes Day. (September 23)

Established in 1992 by national charity Genetic Disorders UK, the annual event encourages people to wear jeans for the day in return for a small donation. Funds are raised for small charities to help them provide vital services and care for children and families affected by genetic disorders.

Pupils and staff at Leadgate Primary School, in Consett, got kitted out in their best denim but were also visited by scientist, Louise Allcroft, who is one of the directors of Complement Genomics Ltd.

Throughout the day, children from both Year 5 and Year 6 classes were taught about DNA and how it makes them all different through a series of talks and presentations. They played DNA bingo and were asked to precipitate out DNA so they could see it for themselves.

“It really was fantastic for the children to learn about DNA and how it makes them unique from a specialist,” said headteacher, Mark Watson.

“The children were fascinated to hear how Louise works with DNA every day and had plenty of questions to ask her, showing a real interest in what she had to say.”

Complement Genomics Ltd, based at the recently opened Durham Genome Centre, is an innovator in genetic testing technologies. Since moving to the genomics business centre, it has expanded its business in paternity and biological relationship testing, for both consumers and the legal profession, as well as launching a drug and alcohol testing service.

Louise said: “Today has been fun and a great way of getting the children to think about DNA and how it makes each individual unique.

“The children immersed themselves fully in all the activities and had lots of interesting things to say and ask. On top of this, Complement Genomics Ltd will be matching the amount raised by the school from today.”

To find out more about Complement Genomics Ltd, please visit http://www.compgeno.com

By Emily