Three local charities benefitted recently from the fund raising attempts of Bridgwater College’s staff and students at this year’s Raise and Give (RAG) Day.

The charities, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, Mind in Taunton and West Somerset and S.U.R.E, were each presented with a £2,500 donation from the funds raised at the popular annual event.

Maria Hanlon, a volunteer from Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance said,

“It costs us around £2million per year to keep the air ambulance active in the community. Every mission that we are called to costs £2,500, so the generosity of Bridgwater College has helped to save a person’s life.”

Roy Hole and Vanessa Marchment from S.U.R.E, a charity that supports the Beacon Centre at Musgrove Park Hospital added,

“It is vital to keep raising funds so that the Centre is able to provide the best machinery possible for its patients. This money will go directly towards a new CT Scanner and simulator for the unit. The hope is that by having these facilities in Taunton, it will cause less trauma for patients who would otherwise have to travel to Bristol.”

Andy Pritchard from Mind in Taunton and West Somerset said,

“We are about to launch a new young people and children strategy so this funding came at the perfect time. The strategy will offer a service that can support throughout life but starting with support in education.”

Mark Nettle, Head of Student Services at Bridgwater College said,

“We are always delighted that the enjoyment of our students and a fantastic RAG day can become such a success story. We were so pleased to be able to support these three charities in such a positive way this year.”

If you would like more information about studying at Bridgwater College please contact our Information and Guidance team on 01278 441234.