Charity events help change lives

UCLan Event Management undergraduates raised over £2,800 for Barnardo's by organising a variety of enterprising events.

Second year students worked in groups to organise, promote and implement the events to raise funds for the charity.

This year's efforts took the overall total raised to almost £20,000 since the 'Events in Action' module began.

Barnardo's representative Jane Harries visited the university to accept a cheque. She said: "Over the last few months the Events Management students at UCLan have been put through their paces and raised a fantastic £2,820.24 to help local children and young people in the North West by staging eight charity events.

"Barnardo's exists to transform the lives of the UK's most vulnerable children, so a massive thank you goes out from us to the students, tutors and everyone who attended the events for their support."

The events organised allowed students to put academic theory into practice, and included Spring Bazaar, Quiz Night, Barnardo's Bake Sale and Amp-litude – an indoor festival-themed event held at The Attic, complete with its own tent and guests suitably dressed in festival clothes.

Students also held Stand Up for Barnardo's, a 24 Hour Cyclothon and a Chinese Cultural Event, whilst one group tackled a series of challenges including a sky dive, a sponsored walk from UCLan to Blackpool and an 18 mile bike ride in Keswick.

Ryan Cunningham took part in the gruelling Cyclothon. He commented: "The module provides excellent opportunities for us to gain experience and knowledge of hosting and organising a real-world event. This opportunity gives us an insight into the Events industry and allows us to develop necessary skills for future career growth.

"Whilst enhancing our knowledge of running an event, our hard work and efforts also contributed towards raising money for Barnardo's.

"Our Cyclothon was a tough physical and mental challenge – the team had to dig in and, with the charity on our minds, knowing our efforts were contributing to the greater good of others it was a great challenge to be a part of."

Module Leader Rod Train added: "The 'live event' part of the course enables students to put their learning into practice and develop skills which will help their future employability. They enjoy planning and organising their events and a fantastic by-product of that is the money they raise for Barnardo's, which is such a worthwhile charity.

"This year there has been a wide range of events, all different but all very professional and enjoyable. We are so proud of the students' achievements."