BASINGSTOKE College of Technology (BCoT) students have selected St. Michael’s Hospice as their chosen charity to support throughout the 2018/19 academic year.

The Basingstoke-based organisation, which provides care for people who are affected by life-limiting illnesses both within the hospice and in patients’ homes, will now benefit from all college fundraising activities organised by the college’s Student Union.

The decision came ahead of a meeting between Lynne Grimshaw, community fundraiser for St. Michael’s Hospice, Brooke Dobing BCoT’s Student Union president, and vice president George Roder to discuss how the students and charity can work together to raise funds for the local cause.

Speaking after the meeting, Brooke said: “We chose St Michael’s Hospice as our charity to focus towards as it is a local charity which cares for adults suffering life-limiting illnesses.

“We feel that this charity needs support from the local area to help continue the fantastic care they provide and deliver. It’s a charity that is particularly close to my heart as I’m sure it is for many others.”

Anthony Bravo, principal of BCoT, added: “I am really proud of our students for choosing to support a local charity such as St. Michael’s Hospice this year.

“We have hosted a number of fundraising activities for St. Michael’s Hospice previously and we are always happy to support the wonderful work they do locally in Basingstoke and across Hampshire”.

Earlier this year, BCoT’s Hair and Beauty students raised more than £500 at a fundraising event in the college’s onsite training salon, which saw all profits on the night donated to the Basingstoke charity.

The Student Union is now starting to plan a quiz night for the charity, which will take place later in the year.

For further information on the students’ fundraising activities and college life, visit bcot.ac.uk.