Year 6 student Taylor Furze initiated the fundraiser to honour her pop John Furze, 69, who died of bowel cancer in December after having been a Culcairn business operator.

Pupils took coins to school on Monday to form a stylised sun in the centre of a basketball court.

Money raised will go to the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust, as part of its Sunshine Week celebration which began on Monday and ends on Sunday.

"My friends think it's pretty cool and the teachers think I'm doing a very good thing," Taylor, 12, said.

Her mum Carissa Furze teared up when asked what she thought of her daughter's deed to support the medical hub where Mr Furze was treated.

"It's fantastic, it's quite moving," Mrs Furze said.

"She's very thoughtful, kind-hearted, generous - all those good words."

Asked what she thought her pop would think of her idea, Taylor replied: "I think he'd be very proud and giving me the biggest hugs."