Leicester College has named Keep the Beat, a charity based at Leicester’s Glenfield Hospital as the official College charity for the coming 2013/14 academic year.

A special launch event, hosted by the Learner Engagement and Enrichment Team (LEET) at Leicester College, was held in the Granby Suite at Freemen’s Park Campus at the beginning of October 2013 to mark the start of fundraising for the charity.

College staff and learners will be arranging cross-department activities such as walks, bike rides, cake sales, challenges and car boot sales to raise funds for the charity. It was also announced at the launch event that £6,047,00 was raised for the chosen charity for 2012/13, Leicester Children’s Holiday Centre (Mablethorpe).

Adam Tansey, from Keep the Beat, said: “We are delighted and very grateful that the college has voted to support Keep the Beat for the academic year, as not only does this provide fundraising opportunities but it also helps us to raise awareness for congenital heart defects. We are keen to work with the College in a number of areas that will help us to develop the charity.  This is a very positive partnership for us.”

Pravin Patel, Learner Engagement and Enrichment Team “It really is wonderful that young people are prepared to put in their time and efforts to support a charity that provides children’s holidays. I hope they’ve enjoyed their year of activities and feel pleased that the money raised will give children a holiday they will never forget.

“I’m sure the learners will hope to beat last year’s total and aim even higher for Keep the Beat. Fundraising for it has already begun.”

David Jackson, Head of Student Services at Leicester College, said: “We are delighted to support Keep the Beat, the children’s heart charity this academic year.

“It is absolutely fantastic to see our learners be involved in helping to raise funds for a worthy local cause. It is an extremely important part of their learner experience at the College and helps them develop the skills that employers look for.”

If you would like to get involved in fundraising activities with Leicester College or would like details on how to make a donation to the charity, please contact Pravin Patel, Student Liaison Officer, Learner Engagement and Enrichment Team on 0116 224 2081 or email prpatel@leicestercollege.ac.uk