STUDENTS in West Cumbria have raised hundreds of pounds for a cancer charity.

Lakes College T Level Health and second year nurse cadet students have raised £485 for Breast Cancer Care.

The UK cancer charity provides care, support, and information to anyone affected by breast cancer.

The fundraiser was organised by the students.

It included staff and students wearing pink, as well as holding a cake sale with pink cakes and biscuits.

Emile Wilson, a first year T Level Health learner, said: “I’ve really enjoyed being a part of the fundraiser and raising money for a charity that is close to a lot of people’s hearts.

“The event has given the class the chance to work together as a team and improve some of our skills.”

The two yearlong T Level Health course started in September, and has replaced the older Nurse Cadet course.

The course works in partnership with the NHS to provide industry placements for learners, allowing them to understand what an employer is really looking for.

Studying a T Level is the equivalent to studying three A-Levels, but instead allows the learner to put all their focus on a career they are passionate about, while still gaining UCAS points to continue onto University.

Lynsey Taylor, course leader for T Level Health, said: “I am so proud of my second year Nurse Cadets and T Level Health learners for raising money for our first chosen charity of the year, breast cancer care!

“We have raised just under £500 and this shows the true motivation of our learners and the generosity of family, friends and Lakes College staff.”

The learners hold fundraisers throughout the year and will be dressing up as Elves at Christmas in support of Alzheimer’s Society’s ‘Elf Day’.

Eliza Treme-Swailes, director of further and higher education, said: “Our Nurse Cadets always work within the Care Values and focus on supporting the local community.

“As always, we are so proud, especially our year one cadets who are undertaking the brand-new T Level in Health.”