Reaseheath’s record RAG raises funds for Macmillan Cancer Support
Caring students and staff from Reaseheath College in Nantwich have raised a record £20,380 this year for Macmillan Cancer Support – with more to come.
Members of the College’s Student Association presented their bumper cheque to representatives of the cancer charity at the student summer ball last Tuesday.
Macmillan fundraisers have been so impressed at the success of the students’ RAG (Raising and Giving) activities that they have asked them to write a RAG Guide advising other colleges and universities who are considering supporting the charity.
Fundraising Manager for East Cheshire, Louisa Walmsley, said: “Macmillan Cancer Support is hugely grateful to the students and staff of Reaseheath College for raising such a phenomenal amount of money.
“We have been very impressed with the dedication, determination and passion shown by the Student Association, and we are absolutely delighted that the target of £20,000 was reached! This money will make a huge difference to people affected by cancer. On their behalf, I’d like to say a big ‘thank you’ to everyone who has been involved in fundraising.”
Macmillan Cancer Support is one of Britain’s largest charities and provides specialist healthcare, information and funding to people living with cancer. The charity funds a Macmillan Benefits Advisor, based in Nantwich, who helps people to apply for a Macmillan Grant to help meet costs that can arise from the condition and its treatment. In 2013, 281 grants were handed out to residents of Cheshire East, totally £48,486.
President Rob Sparkes, RAG Chair Katie Gibson and Vice President Fenna Ball hand over the cheque to Macmillan Fundraising Managers Louisa Walmsely and Mandy West, watched by members of the Student Association
Reaseheath’s Student Association organised 24 fund raising events in RAG week alone, including a masquerade RAG Ball, a staff versus students football match, a raft race on the college lake, a tractor pull and a Three Peaks Challenge by students and staff from the construction department. The public also had the chance to be a zoo keeper for a day.
Student Association President Rob Sparkes 22, who has just completed his Foundation Degree in Zoo Management, said: “We had a brilliant team of Student Association members who worked really hard to put together activities which everyone could enjoy while raising money for a good cause. All departments and academic staff have supported us and I am so proud of what everyone achieved.”
“We chose Macmillan because its services benefit the whole community and because many of the members of our group know someone who has cancer.”
In addition to fundraising for Macmillan Cancer Support, Reaseheath students and staff raised a further £3,000 for the Poppy Appeal and £1,368.90 for the Epilepsy Society. Further funds remain to be collected and it is hoped that the final total raised this year may reach an impressive £25,000.
Over the past 27 years students and staff have raised over £215,000 for local charities.
