Charity walk raises £1,000

12 June 2009

The event, the first organised by LJMU's Student Mentoring Service (SMS), was held to raise funds for Red Balloon Merseyside, a charity aiming to establish a safe learning environment for bullied children. The property, which will be called James Bulger House, will be for young people aged ten to 17 who have been severely bullied and are no longer in mainstream school.

Over 100 people of all ages, groups and abilities, took part in the walk from Crosby Promenade to Hightown Dunes and back, covering up to eight miles. James Bulger's mother, Denise Fergus, who is a trustee of Red Balloon Merseyside and is actively working with the fundraising campaign, started the walk.

Frances Colbron, Head of the SMS and Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Health and Applied Social Sciences, said: “The student mentors truly got behind this worthwhile project and did a wonderful job. Thanks to the events team, in particular Kate Hawtin, for helping to arrange this first SMS charity event. Thank you to all sponsors.”

The SMS initiative was first introduced by Frances in September 2007. Since that time the service has gone from strength to strength. Originally set up to help first year university students settle into university life and receive advice and support from their peers, the SMS is now also involved in organising events and activities that all LJMU students can enjoy with staff and members of the local community.

For more information about the SMS, click here.