Reaseheath College and University Centre students and staff have raised an impressive £18,174.20 for mental health charity Mid Cheshire Mind through a packed year of RAG (Raising and Giving) activities.
Led by Reaseheath Students’ Union and the college’s Student Life team, this year’s fundraising total reflects the creativity, energy, and generosity of the Reaseheath community, who came together to support a cause close to many hearts.
Events included a tandem skydive from 13,000 feet, a 34-mile hike along the Sandstone Trail, the Mental Elf Fun Run, and December’s hugely popular 12 Days of Reaseheath – a festive celebration featuring everything from free sports massages and a winter dog walk to motor vehicle checks, Christmas carols and a raffle at the Equine Winter Show.
RAG Week brought yet more excitement, with activities including Splat the Staff, a silent disco, a mystery box auction, and bird-feeder-making workshops run by the Wildlife Conservation Society. Departments across campus – including the library, Floristry and Animal Science – contributed with their own unique fundraising initiatives.
Reaseheath students also helped raise money at Reaseheath Family Festival, selling slushies and painting faces, and played a big part in Lambing and Mini Zoo Weekends, helping manage visitor parking and taking souvenir lamb photos for the public. Donations are continuing to roll in from the Reaseheath’s gold award-winning stand at the Royal Cheshire County Show.
Reflecting on the year, Reaseheath Students’ Union President Summer Lakin said: “RAG has been a huge part of this year for me. We’ve spent the year raising money for Mid Cheshire Mind, and I’m so proud of everything our students and staff have achieved.
“From our massive 12 Days of Reaseheath campaign and Mental Elf Fun Run to skydives, campus challenges and even face painting at Reaseheath Family Festival – we’ve had so much fun while raising money for a brilliant cause.
“Being elected Student President was a real privilege, and I’ve grown so much in confidence – especially in leadership and public speaking. It’s been a challenging, rewarding, and unforgettable year, and I’m so grateful to everyone who supported us along the way.”
Summer also highlighted the success of other standout events such as the Bavarian and Halloween Balls, Winter Ball, and the Campus Chase, which saw teams race around campus completing activities on the main lawn with inflatables and a BBQ.
Mid Cheshire Mind provides mental health support, advocacy, and awareness across the region and was chosen as the Reaseheath Students’ Union Charity of the Year for 2024–25. The funds raised will help the charity continue its essential work supporting individuals experiencing mental health difficulties.
Daniel Harrison, Fundraising Lead for Mid Cheshire Mind, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to the students and staff of Reaseheath College for choosing Mid Cheshire Mind as their RAG charity this year.
“I can’t even begin to explain how much good this will do for our community — how many people you’ve directly helped in Cheshire to access the vital mental health services they need.
“To raise more than £18,000 in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis is honestly incredible. You should all be extremely proud of what you’ve achieved. Every penny will stay in Cheshire, supporting local residents who rely on these services.”
Reaseheath’s next RAG charity will be selected by students for the academic year 2025/26. Local organisations interested in applying are encouraged to contact studentlife@reaseheath.ac.uk