Young Rotherham citizens raise cash and awareness

They were all taking part in the annual National Citizen Service scheme, which is run in Rotherham by Rotherham United Community Sports Trust.

One group, dubbed Team 7, focused on child sexual exploitation and domestic violence and opted to support Main Street-based Rotherham Rise.

They took part in a bake sales, a sponsored silence, bucket collectiions and a 12-hour bike-a-thon at Parkgate. 

To raise awareness, members also handed out leaflets and made a video about the charity.

Team leader Lauren Caitlyn (19) said: “Everyone has worked extremely hard to raise awareness and funding for Rotherham Rise.

“I want to personally thank every person, business or company that has contributed towards this successful social action project.”

Team members included Louis Beck (17), from Brinsworth, Abby Crump (16), Olivia Parkes (16) and Elicia Yeadley (16) from Wath; Amy Thompson (16), Molly Hardy (16) and Lydia Johnson (16) from Kimberworth; Ben Sanderson (16) from Rawmarsh; Beth Green (16) from Conisbrough; Kira Broadhead (17), from Wickersley; and Xavier Barber (17) from Edlington.

Another group, known as Team 6, chose to back a charity called Fisherman’s Friends, wose members take people fishing who would not normally be able due to their mental or physical well being. 

A spokesman said: “The reason we felt so compelled to aid the charity was Rob the chairman had great compassion while delivering his presentation.

“We learned how little funding they received in comparison to other charities, causing us to feel passionate towards raising funds for this charity. 

“Amazingly, we managed to raise close to £320 by taking part in a sponsored bike ride from Rotherham to Sheffield.

“We also held a charity gala with multiple stalls, a bake sale, face painting, tombola and buskers.”

The money raised will be used to allow wheelchair access to the fishing locations and providing new equipment, allowing The funding could also go to purchasing new fishing equipment and chairs, allowing Fisherman’s Friends to help the 30 people on their waiting list as well as their 20 regular members.

The spokesman added: “Hopefully, the charity can continue its work for many more years and we will be sure to stay in touch to try and make sure they do.”

Another group backed by RUCST raised £1272.73 for the Mayor’s Charity with coffee mornings, bake sales and other sponsored events.

Carole Foster, NCS manager at RUCST, said: “I am so proud of all of the young people that have participated in the NCS program this year.  

“We haven't calculated our full total however I know that as to date we have raised over £13,000 for more than 26 local charities with one wave still remaining.  

“It just goes to show what wonderful young people we have here in Rotherham.”