Two charities have been given £2,000 each as a result of the fundraising efforts of Writtle College students.
The College’s award-winning Students’ Union chose Farleigh Hospice and the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution as their Raise and Give (RAG) charities in 2013/14.
Following a host of events over the year, students raised thousands of pounds and Luke Rodway, one of the Academic Sabbatical Officers at the College, presented cheques to their representatives at one of last week’s Graduation Ceremonies in Chelmsford Cathedral.
Hermione McIntosh, Ambassador for Farleigh Hospice, said: “Our vision at Farleigh is of a community in mid-Essex where people with life-limiting illnesses or who are bereaved have access to skilled, compassionate care at a time which is right for them and at a place of their choice.
“Our services include a specialist palliative care team in the community; two day hospices in Chelmsford and Maldon where people attend for therapy, outpatient clinics, general support and advice; and an inpatient unit at Chelmsford.
“At any one time, Farleigh Hospice cares, completely free of charge, for about 1,400 people and to do this we have to raise nearly £8,000 each and every day. Your generosity will allow us to continue to provide high quality services in the local area – it is because you care that we can.”
Bob Archibald, Regional Manager, East, for the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution, said: “Our charity was founded in Essex in 1860 in Tiptree. We support farming families who are finding it hard to make ends meet. We have supported those whose farms were affected by foot and mouth and the bad weather, and farmers who do not have a pension as, at one point, they were not available for those who worked on farms.
“In the last year we have given £2.2million to 1,500 families and we are grateful to you, the students of Writtle College, for this money to enable us to continue this work.”
Writtle College’s SU – which was named Small and Specialist SU of the Year in the National Union of Students Awards 2013 – will be fundraising for the FCN (Farming Community Network) and Macmillan Cancer Support this year.