Barnsley College Students Raise Cash for Army Fund24 Jan 2012

Barnsley College Public Services students survived 3 nights with the British Army to raise funds for the Army Benevolent Fund.

The students took part in a number of activities at the Beckingham Barracks in Lincolnshire including intensive fitness sessions, basic fighting skills, night exercises and the dreaded assault course. They also slept, ate and trained alongside Army soldiers under the supervision of some of the British Army’s most experienced instructors. Partly funded through the Newham Barnsley Partnership Aspiration and Achievement Fund, the trip challenged the student’s dedication and determination to succeed and achieve and tested them to the maximum.

The students dedicated the week to the memory of Private Matthew Thornton, an ex-Barnsley College Public Services student, who was killed in action, serving in Afghanistan in November 2011. The students raised a fantastic £2428.11 in sponsorship for the Army Benevolent Fund whose principal purpose is to provide support to soldiers, former soldiers and their families in times of need or distress due to death, injury, illness or any other unforeseen circumstances.

The students presented the money raised to Lieutenant Colonel Brian G. de la Haye OBE, Regional Director Fundraising (North East & Yorkshire) for ABF The Soldiers' Charity alongside Barnsley College Principal Colin Booth.