New fundraising team aims to raise £2m for Portland College

The new team of Anna Ashton, Tracey Horton and Andrea Hudson will be working closely with the college community as well as with groups, businesses and corporate supporters across Mansfield, Ashfield and the wider area as they look to reach the masive fundraising target.

Andrea has now called on the community to throw their weight behind the ambitios campaign, saying: “The College needs the support of the whole Mansfield and Ashfield community in creating something really special.

“The new Inclusive Sports Academy will be an amazing facility for our students, a focal point for disability sport within the Midlands, and we are also going to engage with local community groups and sporting teams.

“We are already speaking with a number of companies about how they wish to get involved, donating funds, their time and expertise, and would welcome conversations with any other businesses who feel they can get on board with us.”

The team are also seeking out community groups and individuals to choose Portland College as their charity when undertaking their own challenges.

Anna added: “A number of individuals have already pledged to raise money for the College by taking part in bike rides, half marathons and even cake bakes! Every bit of money raised, no matter how large or small, is vital is supporting the work we do.”

“The college also has collection tins that businesses could pop on their receptions and sales counters to support us. Every penny that customers and staff put in there turns into pounds, and is a great way of ridding your pockets of loose change and putting it to good use!”

College chiefs say the massive cash injection will allow them provide a state-of-the-art centre of excellence for disability sport and offer new opportunities from grassroots to elite level competitors.

The ambitious life-changing academy would also be open to the wider community through link-ups with disability clubs and sporting organisations.

If you can support the fundraising efforts of the College at a business level, would like a collection tin for your company, or would like more information about becoming a volunteer, please contact the team by calling 01623 499181 or by visiting www.portland.ac.uk