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Issued:15/07/13
Students and staff at Sheffield Hallam University are being put through their paces as part of a new project that hopes to raise thousands for local charities.
A team of trainee nurses and midwives, together with their tutors have launched The Extra Yard project where they will be taking part in a series of events throughout the year that are designed to promote healthy living.
Kicking off the project, 40 students and staff from Sheffield Hallam's nursing and midwifery department completed a 5k run around Endcliffe Park, Sheffield. Each runner raised £30 and secured a further £1,500 in sponsorship from local businesses for the project.
Further events and activities are now being scheduled by the team in collaboration with Sheffield Hallam Union's Raise and Give scheme, including a bike ride and a city centre abseil.
The team hope that their extra-curricular activities will raise £12,000 each year for local charities.
Funds raised this year will be split between four causes; Help for Heroes; the Cathedral Archer Project that supports Sheffield's homeless and vulnerable, Bluebell Wood Hospice in Rotherham and The Cavendish Centre that provides cancer support to local people.
The Extra Yard project also looks to give nursing and midwifery students experience in planning and leading entrepreneurial activities.
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Principal lecturer James Turner in the University's health and well-being faculty is part of the The Extra Yard team. He said: "Charitable and fundraising activity has always been an essential aspect of our work.
"Our students engage in health-related initiatives such as bed pushes and other activities to raise money for good causes as well as giving our time to volunteering.
"The Extra Yard project not only benefits the charities, it provides us with a lot of personal satisfaction and keeps us healthy and active at the same time."
For press information contact: Sarah Duce in the Sheffield Hallam University press office on 0114 225 4025 or email s.duce@shu.ac.uk
