Oldham College students take on Dragon Boat Race to support children's unit appeal

Oldham College Dragon team

Students from Oldham College are preparing to take part in a Dragon Boat Race to raise money for The Royal Oldham Hospital Children's Unit through the Sunshine Appeal.

The fundraising effort aims to support children and families receiving care at the hospital.

The students are taking on the challenge as part of social action work linked to the college, with funds raised going towards improving experiences and facilities for young patients at the Children's Unit.

The Sunshine Appeal supports projects within the Children's Unit, which cares for around 10,000 children every year, including children with complex needs, learning disabilities and mental health challenges.

The unit includes wards, a high dependency unit, procedure rooms, an outdoor courtyard, an infant feeding room and a Sunshine Room used to support children with complex needs and those receiving end of life care.

Ricky Barber said, "We are incredibly grateful to the students from Oldham College for choosing to support the Sunshine Appeal."

He added, "Their energy, enthusiasm and commitment mean so much to our team and, more importantly, to the children and families we care for. Every pound raised will help us enhance the environment, equipment and experiences we can offer our young patients. We’ll be cheering them on every step and every paddle of the way."

Louise Hood said, "We are immensely proud of our students for embracing this challenge."

She added, "Their dedication to making a difference in the lives of children at our local hospital reflects the very best of what our social action projects are all about, community, compassion and positive action."

She said taking part in the event also gives students an opportunity to support families who need help while experiencing something new together.

The fundraising challenge is supporting the Sunshine Appeal run by NorthCare Charity, which supports hospitals across Oldham, Rochdale, Salford and Bury.

People wanting to support the students can donate through the team's fundraising page at JustGiving fundraising page.