Students make a difference for Teenage Cancer Trust

Students from the Business School at Solihull College have made a huge difference to the lives of other young people after they raised an outstanding £5,200.36 for Teenage Cancer Trust.

The students, who are currently working towards the BTEC Extended Diploma in Business or Peter Jones Enterprise Academy (PJEA) Diploma in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, were set a challenge to raise as much money as possible for the young persons charity.
Teenage Cancer Trust aims to ensure that every young person with cancer and their family receive the best possible care and professional support throughout their cancer journey. They also empower young people through education and advocacy.
The Trust is the annual charity of credit and loyalty provider LaSer UK, a Solihull-based company that has been working in collaboration with the College’s Business School, mentoring the students each week. The mentors were each assigned a team of students to provide support through their business programme, as well as keep them focused on their fundraising activities.
Richard Smithies, Corporate Social Responsibility Champion at LaSer UK, comments: “When the students were set the challenge to raise as much money as possible for our annual charity Teenage Cancer Trust, I did not envisage the incredible response that they delivered. The students showed real determination and worked hard to meet difficult challenges, both individually and as a team. The amount of money that has been raised is absolutely fantastic and we are proud to have worked with the students, making a difference to the lives of young people with cancer.”
From running a half marathon and washing cars to hosting a charity auction and Greek-themed quiz night, the students organised a range of fundraising activities in a bid to encourage members of the local community to donate.

18-year-old PJEA student Adrian Jarrett, who ran the Birmingham Half Marathon for Teenage Cancer Trust, comments: “I do a lot of running in my spare time but entering the Half Marathon had not crossed my mind until we started our fundraising activities. The race was really tough and part-way through I was really tired so considered going slower, but then I thought about the reason why I was running and it spurred me on to race right until the end. Crossing the finish line felt amazing and I am pleased to have done something positive for such a great cause.”

To celebrate their achievements the students were recently congratulated by Teenage Cancer Trust and LaSer UK, with special awards presented to individuals who excelled in the challenge. An award was also presented to the team Change4Change, in recognition of raising the most money from their charity auction.
Craig Burchell, Regional Fundraiser for Teenage Cancer Trust, comments: “The amount of money raised by the students has completely surpassed my expectations. The charity is extremely grateful for all the hard work and support from the College and the students should be proud of the massive difference they will make to the lives of young people with cancer and their families.”