EARLY years students from Duchy College have presented a cheque to Children’s Hospice South West for £145.

Following a visit to Children’s Hospice South West’s (CHSW) Little Harbour in St Austell, the students were enthused by the atmosphere and positivity of the staff and volunteers, and decided to raise money for the cause by selling memory stars and unwanted Christmas presents.

BTEC first diploma level 2 children’s care, learning and development student, Ellie Eastley, said: “We enjoyed visiting Little Harbour and it was an eye opening experience, which encouraged us to raise money ourselves for such a good cause. We look forward to any other upcoming events in which we can help to participate in raising money for the hospice.”

Team lead for early years, Laetitia Mayne, said it was ‘a fantastic effort from our students in raising the money and working with a worthwhile charity’. She said: “We encourage our students to fully engage with the local community, and raise awareness of the amazing work that is done in our sector.”

The Cornwall College Group works closely with CHSW, with other sites also taking part in fundraising activities. Members of the student union at Cornwall College Saltash have this year raised £250 for the worthwhile charity.

Community fundraiser for CHSW, Zoe Partridge, said she was ‘delighted that once again the college has chosen to fundraise for CHSW’.

She added: “There is something very special about young people raising money for other young people. We rely on fundraising to provide hospice care to children and teenagers with life-limiting conditions in the South West, so this money will be directly supporting local families.”

For more information on all early years courses available across the Cornwall College Group, visit www.cornwall.ac.uk or call 0330 123 2523.