Students raise money for The Royal Marsden

Nescot’s Uniformed Public Services department are raising money for a cancer charity today (Thursday, November 28) in support of a student’s mother.

Students on the Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications are taking part in National Citizen Service (NCS), a personal and social development programme which includes a social action project.

The students were asked to choose a charity to fundraise for, and then to present to the rest of the group ahead of a collective vote.

When George Harvey suggested The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity in honour of his mother Emma, who is about to start radiotherapy, he was moved to tears when the group voted unanimously in favour.

“My mum was treated for cancer when I was little, and last weekend I found out that she has bone cancer and she’s about to start radiotherapy,” George said.

“Lots of people had ideas of charities we could raise money for, but as soon as I explained what was happening with my mum everyone voted to support The Royal Marsden.

“I felt really emotional, and I was lost for words. When I told my parents they were really emotional as well. I feel like I have a lot of support and that everyone is behind us, and that means a lot.”

The students are holding a day of fundraising activities today, including a raffle, cake sale, penalty shoot-out and sponsored sponge throwing.

In addition to their social action project the students also spent the weekend at Surrey Outdoor Learning and Development in Guildford, doing activities from water sports to rock climbing.

George, who went to Coombe Boys’ School and is hoping to become a Royal Marine or a dog handler within the Metropolitan Police Service, said he is enjoying taking part in NCS.

“We’ve done lots of different things so far, so I’d definitely recommend it,” he said. “It fits really well with what we’re doing on our course, too.”

Cat Langan, Curriculum and Standards Co-ordinator for Uniformed Public Services, said the students were learning skills including teamwork and communication as well as gaining self-confidence.

“The students have been working really hard, and they should be proud of themselves,” she added. “The skills and experience they will get from NCS will help get them ready for a range of careers.”

The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity raises money to support The Royal Marsden, a word-leading cancer centre with bases in Sutton and Chelsea.

The charity funds research into cancer treatment and care, as well as funding state-of-the-art equipment and modern patient environments.