STUDENTS from the University of Cumbria have spent months raising funds in the run-up to a confernce that got cancelled, but have decided to donate that money to charity.

Events included sponsored walks, raffles and bake sales.

Following cancellation, the student teachers have donated a quantity of tea, coffee and snacks to Morecambe Bay Food Bank as well as a total of £827.66 has been given to the Fylde Sharks Disability Swimming Club based in Lytham St Annes.

Student teacher Anna Stevenson said: “Owing to the ongoing issues regarding coronavirus, we had to make the hard decision to cancel the conference. We’d already purchased coffee, sugar and biscuits for the day so as soon as we knew the conference was cancelled we were able to donate these to the Morecambe Bay Food Bank. 

“A decision had also been reached that any funds left over would be donated to the swimming club. We’d designated this as our chosen charity before the conference because one of my peers had previously worked there and seen the great work they do for children with additional needs. 

“It means we’ve been able to donate £827.66 to the Fylde Sharks Disability Swimming Club and they’ve informed me that this money will help towards when they hope to restart in September. We are so pleased that we’ve been able to help such great causes in this way.”

Graham Hallett, senior lecturer on the course at the university’s Institute of Education, said: “We’re heartened that, coinciding with Disability Awareness Day in July, our students have made this presentation to these good causes. For the swimming club, it is a sum that is sufficient to pay for pool hire and lifeguards for one month.

“This was money that the group raised to pay for their student-led conference that they arranged as part of one of their modules this last year which unfortunately had to be cancelled. This would have been the tenth conference. We are proud to see how our students have continued to think of and support others despite their event setback.”