IT WAS both a day of poignancy and of celebration as Sebastian Turner, Student Liaison Officer for Exeter College Students’ Union, handed over a cheque for the money raised by students for The Eddystone Trust in recognition of the invaluable work they do for those affected by HIV in the local community.

As part of this year’s Being Healthy and Sexual Health Awareness and Guidance Week, £4027.85 was presented to the Trust’s Business Manager Grahame Flynn, representing last year’s Exeter College chosen charity, as voted for by the students – then known as Positive Action South West.

Fundraising took place in a number of ways throughout the academic year ending 2010. This included the annual Jailbreak, which required students to travel as far from the College in fancy dress as possible for free in one day while collecting for the charity at the same time, and the public Carol Festival, held at Exeter Cathedral at Christmas. Additionally, many smaller activities were organised by various faculties and tutor groups across the College.

While students continue to work hard to fundraise through such events for this year’s chosen charity, (ELF) Exeter Leukemia Fund, looking back on how well they did last year for The Eddystone Trust, Sebastian said: “It was a hard year with the country facing financial difficulties, but I am amazed and pleased at the amount of money that the students and staff of Exeter College managed to raise. The Students’ Union would like to thank all those involved in running events that helped raised this money last year.”

Grahame added: “We were delighted to be nominated Exeter College Charity of the Year for 2010. I was impressed by the enthusiasm of the then Student’s Union President Kurtis Schofield, and by the range of events that the students held. It was incredible to see staff and students taking up the challenge, particularly around World AIDS Day, and the Christmas Carol Concert at Exeter Cathedral was truly a night to remember.

He continued: “A particular high point for me, however, was working with the first year BTEC Media Production students to produce HIV awareness advertisements. The results were very engaging and demonstrated that the students had grasped the fact that HIV cannot be transmitted through everyday contact.

“On behalf of our Trustees, staff and clients, I would like to extend our sincere thanks to all
those who participated.”