Loughborough College Raises Record-Breaking £6,323 During 24 Hour Sportathon in Memory of Local Student
Tuesday 5th May 2026
Students and staff from the Sport and Esports departments at Loughborough College took part in a challenging 24-hour sportathon this weekend, raising a record-breaking £6,323.67 for Samuel’s Promise, a Special Named Fund in memory of former student, Samuel Priestley.
The event saw more than 30 Sport and Esports students complete the full gruelling 24-hour challenge, with a further 120 students participating throughout the daytime sessions, taking part in a variety of activities including cricket, karate, and a midnight disco. Staff also showed exceptional commitment, with 10 of the team completing the full 24 hours, and a further seven remaining into the early hours of the morning to support participants.
Danny Lee, Curriculum Head of Sport and Esports at Loughborough College, said: “The commitment shown by both our students and staff was truly incredible. The energy and positivity throughout the event perfectly reflected the College’s culture of community outreach.
“Raising over £6,300 for Samuel’s Promise is something we are immensely proud of, and knowing the impact these funds will have on vital research makes the achievement even more meaningful.”
Funds raised from the event will support Samuel’s Promise, a charity established following the passing of a former Loughborough College Sport learner, Samuel Priestley. The Special Named Fund, part of the wider Children and Young People’s Cancer Association, raises vital funds for research into low-grade paediatric brain tumours and surgical advancements.
Samuel’s parents attended the event and were deeply moved by the continued support shown by the College Sport Department and its students. Danny continued: “We are also incredibly grateful to Samuel’s family for attending and continuing to support this special event alongside us. It’s so important to continue to remember Samuel, and to make a difference for young people and their families in the future.”
The fundraiser contributes to the College’s participation in the national community and charity initiative, Good for Me, Good for FE. Founded by Loughborough College, London South East Colleges, and East Coast College Group in 2021, the project encourages participation in fundraising and community engagement for staff and students in further education across the UK.
