Fifteen Level 3 Coleg Menai Public Service students organised a sponsored ‘Smurf’ walk recently from Bangor to Caernarfon to raise money for the R.N.L.I crew at Treaddur Bay and Holyhead.
The students, all blue and white as Smurfs, decided to raise money in memory of Coleg Menai’s Sports and Public Services lecturer Steve Mackay’ son Callum and his friend Lewis Darroch, who tragically lost their lives whilst out at sea.
The students, although supportive of the college’s nominated charity of the year, wanted to raise money in support of Treaddur and Holyhead R.N.L.I. crew who searched for both Callum and Lewis. Both families were consulted before going ahead with the fundraiser and were overwhelmed by the student’s consideration.
The students had only 2 weeks to arrange and conduct the event, collecting just over a £1,000.
Lecturer Sian Rowlands accompanied the students during their walk, supported by fellow lecturers Iwan Williams, Anwen Plumb and Lisa Williams who acted as the ‘Smurf Patrol’. The student ‘Smurfs’ and their Patrol drew positive attention during the walk, stopping traffic and bringing a lot of smiles.
Lecturer Sian Rowlands commented “This was such a positive event. The students have demonstrated respect and recognition of the services who give their time to help others in the most distressing of circumstances. The fact that they have associated the work of the R.N.L.I. in memory of their lecturer’s son and his friend sends a positive message about today’s youth. I’m extremely proud of them”.
Following the successful fundraiser, the students were invited on a tour of the R.N.L.I Holyhead station where they presented their £1,000 cheque to the R.N.L.I.
For information on Public Services courses at Coleg Menai, please contact the Programme Area on: 01248 38 33 38 or e-mail: pservices@menai.ac.uk
Fifteen Level 3 Coleg Menai Public Service students organised a sponsored ‘Smurf’ walk....
