Lincoln College’s fundraising efforts, dubbed ‘The Pink Ribbon Campaign’, have now surpassed £100,000 after 18 years of raising money.
Lincoln College Governance Officer, Sarah Adams, said: “We are thrilled to have reached £100,000 of fundraising.”
“Fundraising started at the College in 2006, initially with two members of staff raising money through the sales of a recipe book for Body Sense, which was linked to Professor Eremin’s research. Professor Oleg Eremin, for many years, researched why Lincolnshire breast cancer rates were higher than the national average.”
“With the diagnosis and sad loss of a number of precious colleagues, the fundraising then began to grow and develop into the Pink Ribbon Campaign we now have, supporting local charities.”
Cheques were presented this year to a wide variety of charities close to staff members’ hearts and will make the following kinds of difference:
- Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance – Funds will keep the donation-reliant emergency service in the air.
- Polio Fellowship – New cases of polio are occurring across war-torn countries and need funding to help eradicate it and provide specialist equipment.
- St Barnabas Hospice – The donation will provide 56 hours of care.
- Macmillan – The funds will train two nurses in advanced pain control.
- Marie Curie – This will provide 4.5 nights of care in someone’s home.
- British Heart Foundation – This will support a day’s PhD research into heart disease.
- Children’s Bereavement Centre – This will give five children and their families counselling and support or will buy 1,000 teddy bears for children.
- Anthony Nolan Trust – This will provide around 25 potential donors for stem cells. This is particularly poignant as a staff member, Garry Williams, a Lecturer in Policing, had his life saved by such donations.
- Epilepsy Action UK – Supports the vital work they do with phone and group support and advice.
- Dementia UK – Can help support dementia sufferers and their families long term.
- Beaumond House Hospice, Newark – Supports a 4-bed inpatient unit serving Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire.
College fundraising activities and events undertaken by staff have included dozens of innovative initiatives, such as College Calendars, Pink Ribbon Balls, Mount Kilimanjaro Climbs, Coast-to-Coast cycle rides, and participating in the Lincoln 10k.
Staff have also taken part in the Hiking Vikings Challenge (a section of the Viking Way), Ron’s Race Night, Movember, and Pamper Nights held by beauty staff and students. In addition, staff have donned Santa outfits for the annual Lincoln Santa Fun Run and Walk, worn pink for Wear It Pink days, pedalled their way to pounds with ‘On yer bike’ rides, and participated in annual sponsored walks.
Notable big fundraising efforts each year have included:
- 2012 – National Three Peaks Challenge and the College Lottery was introduced.
- 2013 – Yorkshire Three Peaks.
- 2014 – Lake District Challenge – 24 in 24 hours.
- 2015 – Spires and Steeples – 26, 13, or 6.5 miles from Sleaford.
- 2016 – Riverside Walk – Washingborough Five Mile bridge and back.
- 2017 – Along the ridge from Wellingore – 10 miles – part of the Viking Way.
- 2018 – RAF 100 Walk – 6 or 12 miles.
- 2019 – Lake District 3000ft peaks.
- 2023 – 5 or 10-mile walk to Skellingthorpe (Daisy Maid Ice Cream).
- 2024 – Spires and Steeples.
In total, to date, £100,847 has been raised, with more than £97,500 donated to charities in the past. Beneficiaries have included Candles (the charity that supported Professor Eremin’s work), British Polio Fellowship (Lincolnshire Branch), Macmillan, Marie Curie, British Heart Foundation, Clic Sargent, MS Society, Lincolnshire Sport (prizes), Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance, Beaumond House Hospice, Children’s Bereavement Centre, Bed for Nancy, Rape Crisis Centre, and Teenage Cancer Trust.