North Hertfordshire College (NHC) staff and students have raised just under £6,000 for our Sunshine Appeal, after choosing us as their nominated charity of the year.

The Sunshine Appeal was set up to create an outside terrace to allow patients in intensive care to be taken outside in their beds to see the sky. Thanks to the support of the college and the wider local community, the project has now raised the £400k needed to instruct the builders to begin the work.

Fundraising at North Hertfordshire College kicked off in October 2023 at the annual Big Draw event at their Hitchin campus. Those attending this creative event which was open to the local community, were asked for a donation towards the Sunshine Appeal.

The college's amazing supported studies learners raised over £1,500 at their Winter Fayre, and another £275 at a bake sale where cakes sold out within an hour and a half.

They held another fundraising event making ‘fakeaway’ fast-food style burgers and fries for staff and learners. Their popular home-made fast-food meal was named the McMutch meal, after course team leader Rachel Mutch, who abseiled 11-storeys down the Lister Hospital alongside college principal Kit Davies and Access to HE students also in aid of the Sunshine Appeal.

Fundraising continued at the Winter Staff Conference where college staff took part in enrichment activities and enjoyed a presentation from our head of fundraising, Beth McNeil, who discussed the different projects that they raise funds for.

English for Speakers of Other Languages students added to the funds through their Cooking Showcase. Students prepared and sold dishes from their respective countries, a real fusion of spices, taste and aromas were enjoyed by all. 

Finally, a team of staff and their families took part in the Rainbow Run at Ridlins End Stadium in Stevenage raising £893 to add onto the total.

Melissa Caneppele, NHC’s community engagement executive who also ran the Rainbow Run, said: “We really enjoyed fundraising for such a great cause that’s close to the hearts of so many of us. We’re all so grateful for the services Lister has provided to people we know, friends and families and ourselves and we are chuffed to have been able to help raise funds for such a great cause. We’re looking forward to the sunshine balcony opening.”

Kit Davies, principal and one of the staff who abseiled down Lister Hospital, said: “I am extremely proud of the charitable efforts demonstrated by our staff and students throughout this year. From our Rainbow Runners to those brave enough to join me in an eleven-storey abseil – the imaginative fundraising ideas of both staff and students have been inspiring and I have been overwhelmed with the amount raised for this truly worthwhile cause.

“The garden terrace will have such an impact on patients in the hospital and will provide a quiet space for them and their families to spend quality time together, away from the busy wards.

“I extend a sincere thank you to each student and staff member that helped us in making a real difference to our local community.”

Beth said: “It is an absolutely incredible sum raised by the college which you should feel phenomenally proud of. I know it was a huge team effort with a lot of the teachers taking on the challenges and leading by example so well done to each and every person who make this amazing amount possible.”

Kate Flavin, consultant in anaesthesia and intensive care medicine, commented: “A new rooftop garden balcony will allow us to move patients in their beds, with all the necessary equipment, out into the open air. We want to create a beautiful space in which patients can feel fresh air, see the sky and have some time away from the machines and bright lights of the wards. The sad fact is, in some cases, it may be the last time they get to see the sky.”