Teesside University student takes up charity challenge

A Teesside University student has organised the first of six summer charity events as part of his placement.

Glen Kelly, a 20-year-old BA (Hons) Business Management student, applied for a six week paid Summer Work Experience placement managed by Student Services with Marske Hall as he is passionate about supporting a local charity and making a big difference to the life opportunities of disabled adults in the area.

Rock the Halls will be the first of a ‘Big Summer Six’ series of charity events. The family mini festival takes place on Saturday 18 July, from 2.00pm to 8.00pm at Marske Hall, and features music from Audiofyre, Robot Combover, The Misfits and Ida Rose. There is also the chance to take the stage in an open mic session from 2.00pm to 4.00pm.

A barbecue, bouncy castle, refreshments and the chance to buy a picnic bag are also on offer throughout the day. All proceeds from the event will help to benefit the residents of Marske Hall, a Leonard Cheshire Disability home for adults with disabilities.

Glen said: ‘I have a background working in event management and teaching, and this placement presents a great opportunity for me to test some of the skills I have developed on my university course, whilst also giving something back to the community. The whole experience is going to be very challenging and exciting and I hope to come out the other side with some valuable life experience.’

Ruth Hebden, Volunteer Co-ordinator at the home, couldn’t have been happier with the choice of Glen to work alongside her and the volunteer fundraising committee.

Ruth said: ‘Glen arrived with so many brilliant new fundraising ideas and opportunities. He is clearly a very focused and enthusiastic young man. We discussed lots of options with Glen and came up with the ‘Big Summer 6’ challenge.

‘This will involve Glen organising several fundraising days and events and raising a total of £6,000. It’s a huge challenge but I really hope Glen manages to complete it.’

As well as ‘Rock the Hall’ Glen is working with Ruth to organise a sponsored walk, which will hopefully allow everyone to participate in different sections of the walk alongside the residents from the home.

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Find out more about the events taking place