The Manchester College students raise over £17,500 for the Poppy Appeal 2024

165 Uniformed Services and Criminology students from The Manchester College were inspired to sell poppies and raise money for this year’s Poppy Appeal following a guest lecture from the Royal British Legion's Greater Manchester Collection Co-ordinator.

The informative and motivating presentation gave the students a greater understanding of how and why the appeal was started. It also included details of the ongoing work that the organisation does to support our country’s Armed Forces community.

Stuart Nickson, the Head of Department for Sport, Public Services and Criminology at the College, said: “I’m absolutely blown away by how much money our students have raised for this incredible cause and everyone involved can be extremely proud of their achievement – I know I am.

The fundraising was linked to our students’ Volunteering module and the project was a great way for them to give back and gain experience engaging with members of the public.

Stuart continued: "Our students organised stalls at a number of our campuses and various locations throughout Manchester city centre, including high footfall areas like Manchester Piccadilly Station and Manchester Victoria Station, which proved to be a great idea.

“A cohort of our staff and students were even lucky enough to meet the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, and the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, who were travelling through the train station at the time.”

Phoebe Lind, who is a Level 3 Uniformed Services student at the College, was one of those involved in the project and said: “I personally really enjoyed being a part of the Poppy Appeal.

“I loved seeing how the community came together to help raise money for this amazing cause and I learned how important the Poppy Appeal and Royal British Legion are to people.

“Seeing how much money we raised made me feel really proud of myself and the others who were involved in this, as it’s going to such an amazing cause.”

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