Weston Park Cancer Charity’s College Partnership celebrates first year of impact

In its first academic year, our college partnership has spread vital awareness and raised over £11k to help people living with and beyond cancer.

The partnership involves eight colleges, representing over 42,000 students in South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire.

The participating colleges are: Barnsley College, The Sheffield College, Doncaster College, Harrison College, Chesterfield College, Dearne Valley College, Rotherham College, and North Notts College.

Fabulous fundraisers

In February 2026, the colleges helped to launch our inaugural ‘Turn It Purple’ day – which saw a swathe of supporter events held across the region.

We were amazed by the creativity and enthusiasm shown by our colleges, with highlights including:

• Barnsley College’s ‘Purple Parade’, where staff and students, dressed in purple, covered over 20,000 steps in one day. The college also raised money by hosting bake sales, a raffle, and by selling clothes in a Reloved Boutique.
• Chesterfield College turning their campus purple, with a purple picnic and purple artworks on display to match. The students even gave purple manicures to really set off the theme!
• North Notts College’s fundraiser, in which six staff members were covered in purple slime – with students and fellow staff members donating in support!

The money raised by the colleges will enable us to fund groundbreaking cancer research, treatment enhancements, and support services.

Sharing cancer information and advice

In the first year of the partnership, over 300 students and staff attended our Talking Cancer Sessions. These aim to inform participants and encourage them to advocate for their own health.

Additionally, we’ve spoken to 750 students, staff and family members about our practical, emotional and financial support services.

By establishing these relationships with students, we can ensure young people know Weston Park Cancer Charity is there, if they ever need help or support.

The charity has also delivered careers advice to 275 students through the partnership – helping to inspire the charity workers of the future.

Cara Murphy, Regional Fundraising Officer at Weston Park Cancer Charity, said:

“From launching Turn It Purple to spreading the word about our services, we’ve achieved so much together in the first year of our college partnership.

“By increasing cancer awareness at a college level, we hope to empower young people – and it’s been brilliant to see how actively the students have engaged with our advice and information.

“We’re very grateful for the colleges’ fantastic fundraising, which will help the one in two people in our region who will face a cancer diagnosis.”

Weston Park Cancer Charity funds sector-leading research, treatment enhancements, and support services for people who have been affected by cancer.

To find out how your school or college can get involved, head to: westonpark.org.uk/schools