28 April 2005
Choppy water challenge raises £22,000 for charity
A team of staff and students from the University of Sheffield has raised £22,000 for local children with persistent speech difficulties by sailing around the Balearic Islands on a specially chartered Tall Ship. The 48-strong crew took to the high seas to raise money for children with speech and literacy difficulties who are treated at the University´s Department of Human Communication Sciences.
Staff, students and alumni of the University steered and managed the ship, climbed the masts, hauled the sails, and scrubbed the decks in the seven-day voyage, and all in the name of charity!
The money raised will go towards intensive speech and language and literacy support for children with persisting speech difficulties, outreach programmes for children in areas of socio-economic deprivation, including self esteem training.
Professor Joy Stackhouse of the Department of Human Communication Sciences at the University of Sheffield said: "I would like to say a huge thank you to all those who took part. The money will go towards new portable equipment and funding for specialist staff, meaning more Sheffield children with speech and language difficulties can be identified and helped.
"We have raised £22,000 so far but the money is still coming in and the figure is set to rise over the next few weeks. This money will also help us to support the communication and literacy needs of many local children, through training staff and carers working with them."
The team embarked on the Tall Ship challenge as part of a year-long programme of events to celebrate the University´s Centenary.
Linda Morewood from the Centenary Office at the University added, "This was an incredible challenge that was taken up so enthusiastically by staff, students and alumni alike. The crew had to endure early mornings, choppy waters, and seasickness along the way. Everyone involved has agreed that it was a fantastic experience. We are delighted to have raised so much money and with gift aid we expect to exceed our target of £25,000."
For further information: Please contact Lindsey Bird, Media Relations Officer on 0114 222 5338 or email l.bird@sheffield.ac.uk
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