A school reunion and a community festival held at Uxbridge College in Hayes netted nearly £300 for Harlington Hospice.

The money was raised through a combination of donations from the Townfield Reunion, and events at the Hayes Summer Festival. The campus is built around the former Townfield School buildings, so old pupils gathered there to revisit their old classrooms and reminisce. They also enjoyed traditional school meals provided by the College’s catering and hospitality students.

The festival for adults and children, supported by a grant from Heathrow Community Fund, offered a range of activities including face painting, bric-a-brac and cake sales, games, sport, and a design-your-own-t-shirt workshop. Music was also provided by the Schools’ Community Choir Hayes and College students on courses including hairdressing, beauty therapy, childcare, and sport took part in running activities.

Lorraine Collins, Executive Director Enterprise & Development at Uxbridge College, said: “These two very successful events and the money raised show what an important part of the community Uxbridge College in Hayes is. Both these events offered something unique to the people who attended them, as well as supporting Harlington Hospice and enabling students to showcase their skills to a new audience. We plan to work more closely with Harlington Hospice both to support their fundraising and to continue engaging our students in volunteer activities.”

Steve Curry, CEO of Harlington Hospice, said: “We were delighted to receive this donation and really touched that the students chose Harlington Hospice to receive the money they raised. One of our current projects is to make it possible for more people to use our services, and this money will be very helpful in supporting this work.”

Enkema Futsum, who managed the festival as part of her apprenticeship in Business Administration at Uxbridge College, said: “It was lovely to see so many members of our local community getting involved in fun activities at Uxbridge College in Hayes, and it also gave them a chance to find out more about what we have to offer. Thanks to the festival, the reunion and the support of Heathrow Community Fund, we are fortunate to be able to make this donation to Harlington Hospice.”

The money, a total of £280, will go towards funding care and support for people at the end of their lives, and families experiencing bereavement and loss.