Abbey Cambridge Community Raises Funds for East Anglian Air Ambulance
21st June 24
The college has come together in a remarkable effort to raise funds for the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA), accumulating a grand total of over £2,500 through two distinct enrichment programmes: the Charity Club Enrichment and the Young Enterprise Enrichment. With further plans in place to aim to surpass the current total by the end of the school year.
The college decided to participate in the East Anglian Air Ambulance’s ‘Trade Up’ Challenge. The EAAA provided £100, with the challenge of growing this amount to £1000.
Charity Club Fundraising Efforts
Formed primarily by Year 12 prospective medics and other students, the Charity Club aimed to develop communication, teamwork, and leadership skills. The medics dedicated three hours per week to this project, and demonstrated remarkable initiative, especially in the lead-up to events, by coordinating with staff and encouraging participation through morning announcements.
The club has played a significant role in promoting collaboration, aligning with the school’s development plan, by bringing together students and staff from various disciplines.
The Charity Club organised several successful events to raise funds:
- Collection at Babraham and Trumpington Park and Rides: In freezing temperatures before Christmas, the club raised the largest sum ever collected by EAAA via collection buckets.
- Winter Fair Stalls: Featuring a “guess the cost of helicopter equipment” game and sales of Dawn’s homemade marmalade.
- Smoothie On A Bike Challenge
- Basketball Challenge
- MASTA Partnership: MASTA waived consultation fees for the forthcoming Zanzibar trip vaccinations, allowing an additional £450 to be added to the fund.
- Special recognition goes to Lexi from ATH 4, who generously donated £100 for the smoothie and basketball events.
Young Enterprise Club’s Contributions
Under Stuart Walton’s leadership, the Young Enterprise Club has significantly supported the fundraising efforts:
- ‘World-famous’ Lemon Tea Provisions: A popular choice among supporters.
- Portrait Sessions by Yasmin
- Event Participation: Stuart’s enthusiastic presence at events where he encouraged both students and staff to donate. He personally raised £40 during the smoothie bike challenge, contributing to a total of £600 raised by the Young Enterprise Club.
Head Matron Dawn Kent commented that:
“I am grateful to be part of this club. Despite my medical commitments, I have been impressed with the students’ collaboration and enthusiasm. A huge thank you to Sephora Day for including me and guiding the students. Her leadership has been instrumental in our success.”
Sephora Day, Head of Medicine added:
“I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Dawn and have learnt a lot from her knowledge of how to raise funds via charity work- I started this project as a complete novice. Dawn gave the club the necessary enthusiasm and drive to raise as much money as possible and provided the students with much information about the logistics. She also set up the relationship with EAAA. Thank you Dawn!! I am also extremely grateful to Stuart who has used his expertise and drive to support. I have learnt a lot from both of them.”
On visiting the college and meeting the students and staff Christine Wright – Community Fundraiser for EAAA said
“I would like to say a huge thank you to the students & staff at Abbey College Cambridge for raising an amazing £2,508.55 for East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA). The lives of seriously injured and ill people across East Anglia are being saved today because of you and your fantastic fundraising. East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) could not save lives without you. Please pass on our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed. Together you really will save lives.”
This collaborative effort highlights the Abbey College community’s dedication and spirit in supporting a worthy cause, demonstrating how collective efforts can make a significant impact.
