‘Inspired us all’: Loreto College honours young student with Pink and Green Day

Students at an eastern suburbs private school have come together to raise money for the condition that heartbreakingly took the life of their fellow classmate.

Hundreds of students at an eastern suburbs private school have come together to raise thousands of dollars for a condition that heartbreakingly took the life of a fellow student earlier this year.

Loreto College students dressed in pink and green costumes on Friday in loving memory of year seven student, 12-year-old Ava Lynch who died on March 20 of diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma – a type of brain cancer which has a zero per cent survival rate.

The school which annually celebrates ‘Pink Day’ to raise money for breast cancer, instead celebrated ‘Pink and Green Day’ to honour Ava whose favourite colours were pink and green.

“Ava was such an intricate part of the Loreto community … we wanted the day to continue her memory,” the school’s principal, Kylie McCullah told The Advertiser.

“Despite facing immense challenges she radiated courage and optimism that inspired us all.

“Her memory continues to live on within our community reminding us to cherish every moment to embrace life and joy and to face adversity with strength and grace.”

Ava Grace Lynch was 12 years old when she died of a brain tumour in March 2024. Picture: Supplied by family,

Students have raise thousands of dollars for the Lynch family’s charity of choice Run DIPG. Picture: Supplied by family,

Ava’s family attended the school’s event, including her parents, siblings and several cousins.

Her father Darren said Ava would’ve felt “quietly chuffed” to know her school community had done this for her.

“She had some very loyal friends and she was a loyal friend … she just would’ve been absolutely amazed to be the reason for all of this,” Darren said.

The Lynch family worked closely with Loreto and chose Run DIPG to donate the raised funds.

Ava’s family attended Loreto College’s Pink and Green Day. Picture: Supplied by family,

“Neil Armstrong’s daughter died of the same tumour before he walked on the moon and there have been no measurable improvements in treatment since then,” Darren said.

“We need to be positive though and use that as motivation to move forward and find a cure rather than be disheartened and think there isn’t one. Unfortunately it has not been in time for Ava but there will be one sometime, we just need to do our bit to help.”

The girls are continuing to raise funds, which have hit over $2500 so far, for Run DIPG.

You can donate here.

Originally published as ‘Inspired us all’: Loreto College honours young student with Pink and Green Day