Students’ heartbreak inspires charity fun day

BTEC Level 3 Public Services students from Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) have organised a charity Fun Day in aid of the Douglas Macmillan Hospice.

Kelly Handley, aged 18 from Sneyd Green is in her first year studying Public Services at NULC.  Kelly inspired her fellow students to raise money for the Douglas Macmillan Hospice after her step-father spent time at the Barlaston Road Hospice before dying from Cancer.

Kelly said: “Obviously the Douglas Macmillan Hospice is a cause close to my heart.  It costs approximately £8million per year to keep the hospice running, with the services being mainly paid for from voluntary income, so I’m really grateful that all the students have decided to support the charity and raise money for such a worthy local cause.”

The event will take on Friday 1 June at the College’s main campus on Knutton Road with students inviting their families to take part in the day.  The event is organised by BTEC Level 3 Public Services students as part of the teamwork and leadership module on their course.

During the day there will be a raffle with prizes including Alton Towers tickets and a personal shopping experience at Cheshire Oaks up for grabs.  A BBQ, live music provided by Music Technology students and Nail Art provided by the Transform Salon.  Newcastle-under-Lyme Fire Station will also attending the event with a fire engine and the Army have also provided a giant inflatable assault course to provide activities on the day.

Jill Salt, Public Services Lecturer said: “Every year Public Services students organise a charity event and last year students raised over £2500 in just one week for local charities.  It’s great that the students are so keen to put back in to the local community.”

Commenting on Kelly’s involvement in the event, Jill said: “Kelly’s had a particularly hard year but she’s not let her personal life affect her college work and she continues to be a real asset to the college.  With the hard work and determination Kelly has shown towards the fundraising I know she will go on to achieve great things in a career in Public Services.”

BTEC Public Services is a vocational course which prepares students for a career in the uniformed forces.  To find out more about studying a BTEC Public Services course at NULC click here, call 01782 254254 or email info@nulc.ac.uk

NULC STUDENTS GET A TASTE OF COMMANDO LIFE

Ten students from Newcastle Under Lyme College (NULC) recently spent an arduous week with the Royal Marines down at their Commando Training Centre in Lymstone, Devon.   

This unique trip was organised by the College’s Uniformed Public Services Course and was designed to give the students an insight into the world of military life as part of their BTEC Level 3 ExtendedDiploma in Public Services.    

During the students’ time at the training centre they were put through their paces by battle hardened Royal Marine instructors who gave no quarter as the college students completed assault courses, gym tests and timed runs.  Keen to impress on the students that becoming a Royal Marine is not easy, and not for everyone, the instructors didn’t go easy and this was much appreciated by the students.  

NULC Public Services student, Adam Hassan said: “It was a really demanding but very enjoyable week, it just flew past. I especially enjoyed the assault course and gym tests”.

Public Services Tutor Ron Morley was delighted with the effort and attitude displayed by the students whilst at the Centre.  He said: “The students were a credit to our College. The visit provided an ideal opportunity for the students on the Uniformed Public Service Course to sample military life and help them make informed choices about their future careers”.

Curriculm Leader for Public Services, Rob Hadnam said: “The Uniformed PublicServices Course is a must for those young people who are considering a career in the emergency services or the military. The college website has more information on our course and what we offer. The next course starts in September. “

To find out more about studying Public Services at NULC click here or contact the Information Point on 01782 254254 or info@nulc.ac.uk.