Regional Support Officer at Diabetes UK Karen Gardner accepts the cheque from Student President Luci Newall and RAG Vice President Chelsey Rowntree, watched by other members of Reaseheath’s Student Association.

Caring students and staff from Reaseheath College in Nantwich have raised over £16,000 for charities during the academic year.

Most of the funds, an impressive £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 last week’s 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.

The students selected the charity because many know people who are affected by diabetes. Fundraising activities have included facepainting, 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 a programme of activities during RAG (Raising and Giving) Week which included a raft race on the college lake, a foam party and a tug of war.

The students have 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 well attended events such as the Cheshire Show and Reaseheath’s Family Festival.

Diabetes occurs when there is too much glucose in the blood because the body cannot use it properly. If not managed well Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can lead to devastating complications, but with the right treatment and support people living with the condition can lead a full and healthy life.

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.”

The students have raised several thousand pounds in addition this year 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.