Staff and students across Loughborough College Group came together last month for a college-wide fundraising campaign, raising more than £1,000 for national heart charities and donating essential handmade items to a local neonatal unit in support of National Heart Month.
The campaign saw staff and students raise funds for leading charities the British Heart Foundation and Tiny Hearts Matter, while also donating dozens of hand-knitted and crocheted blankets to the Neonatal Unit at Leicester Royal Infirmary.
The initiative formed part of the British Heart Foundation’s National Heart Month campaign and reflected the generosity and community spirit shown across the College Group.
The fundraising effort was inspired by Brooksby College Principal James Fryer’s daughter Harriet, who was born with a complex congenital heart condition in 2022.
Reflecting on the giving spirit of staff and students throughout the College Group, James shared: “We are incredibly proud of the compassion and generosity shown by our staff and students. This important initiative not only raised vital funds to support these crucial charities, but also raised awareness for those affected by heart conditions at any age.”
In addition to fundraising, staff and students dedicated their time and creativity to produce a collection of handmade blankets, which James donated to the Neonatal Unit and Delivery Suite at Leicester Royal Infirmary. The Neonatal Unit at the hospital works provides both pre- and post-operative care for newborn babies, and the team works closely with the East Midlands Congenital Heart Centre, to care for neonates with complex cardiac conditions.
James continued: “Raising over £1,000 for such important charities while also creating handmade blankets for vulnerable newborns truly reflects the caring spirit of the Loughborough College Group community. Initiatives like this demonstrate the positive impact we can have when we come together to support others. I am so proud of the care, dedication, and teamwork shown in every penny raised and every stitch knitted.”
Loughborough College Group, comprised of Brooksby College, Loughborough College, Stephenson College, and IGNITE, is a founding member of the national Good for Me, Good for FE campaign, which encourages staff and students at further education institutions nationwide to take part in charity and community outreach projects. Since its launch in 2021, the initiative has raised more than £6 million in social value, and over £510,000 in funds for charities across the country.