Students and staff at the University of Chester have been pulling out all the stops in the last couple of weeks to raise over £1,000 for charity.

The now traditional BBC Children in Need Rowathon took place in the Chester Students’ Union CH1 Bar on the Parkgate Road Campus. The students were keen to raise as much money as possible for the BBC Children in Need appeal, which provides grants to projects in the UK which focus on children and young people who are disadvantaged.

On Thursday, 22 teams participated over a total of 12 hours, with each team rowing for 30 minutes. Altogether, the teams rowed 145,021 metres with the winning team rowing 8,059 metres! The total they have raised so far this week for the charity is £586. Since the University’s Rowathon first began for Children in Need six years ago, thousands have been raised through this event alone.

Organiser Grace Bramham said: “It was a really good event. We raised a lot of money and the atmosphere was great! We had a lot of teams involved and it was really great to see the different sports and societies come together as a community. The staff and students at the University showed a wonderful amount of support for everyone involved, and we can't thank them enough for the support they have given over the past few weeks.”

Other sports clubs and societies at the University have also been getting involved in raising money for Children in Need too. The Drama Society took part in its second Danceathon. This non-stop 24 hour dance event was yet another success for the society who, through their hard work and the fantastic support of others, have raised an excellent £843.50 so far.

Former President of the Drama Society and Danceathon organiser Mac Short, said: “It was fantastic to see so many people come and dance with us and show their support in a variety of ways. Yet again, I’m blown away by the generosity and support of the Society’s members, their friends and family, the Students’ Union and the University. It’s great to see so many people support such a great cause.”

Among those taking part, the comments were:

“Dancing for 24 hours was exhausting but I had an epic time with amazing people and all the money goes to help Children in Need so it’s all worth it.” - Marta Switon, Drama Society member, who danced for 24 hours.

“It was a pleasure to be a part of the Danceathon, which has raised an incredible amount of money for such an amazing cause. It makes me so proud to be a part of the Drama Society.” - Natasha Davenport, Drama Society member, who danced for 18 hours.

“It was the most wonderful and enjoyable experience ever and it's a great pleasure to dance with all my heart and energy for Children in Need.” - Luis Roberts, Drama Society member, who danced for 11 hours.

Student representatives from the Rowathon and the Danceathon were invited to be part of the audience at the BBC Children in Need broadcast in Storyhouse on Friday.