Nantwich college students raise more than £16,000 for charities

Big-hearted students and staff at Reaseheath College in Nantwich raised more than £16,000 for charities during the academic year.

Most of the funds, £13,157 with more donations still to come, was handed over by members of Reaseheath’s Student Association to local representatives of Diabetes UK at the Student Summer Ball.

The charity works to prevent Type 2 diabetes, campaigns for and supports everyone affected by diabetes, and funds research that will one day lead to a cure.

Students selected the charity because many know people who are affected by diabetes.

Fundraising activities have included face-painting, interactive children’s games and a photo booth at Reaseheath’s popular lambing and zoo weekends, a stand at the college’s first PRIDEfest and a sponsored 25-mile walk along Cheshire’s Sandstone Trail.

Student Association members organised activities during RAG (Raising and Giving) Week which included a raft race on the college lake, a foam party and a tug of war.

They also raised awareness of diabetes by promoting the work of the charity alongside fundraising with college mascots ‘Daisy the Cow’ and ‘Shaun the Sheep’ at events such as the Cheshire Show and Reaseheath’s Family Festival.

Maria Whittaker, Diabetes UK Regional Fundraiser, said: “We are incredibly grateful to all the students and staff for their support over the past 12 months and for raising awareness of diabetes in the local community.

“Their incredible donation will go a long way to helping us create a world where diabetes can do no harm.”

RAG Vice President Chelsey Rowntree said: “I am so proud of the staff and students who have worked hard to raise money for a charity close to Reaseheath’s heart.

“I would like to say a big thank you to Diabetes UK for all the help they have given us by attending some of our fundraising events and supplying us with merchandise and literature.”

Students have raised several thousand pounds in addition for other charities including the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal, Murphy’s Poppy Appeal, St Luke’s Hospice and several animal charities.

Over the past 31 years, Reaseheath students and staff have raised nearly £300,000 for local charities.

(Pic: Diabetes UK’s Karen Gardner accepts cheque from Student President Luci Newall and RAG Vice President Chelsey Rowntree)