A SIXTH former’s studies really took off when her project work raised thousands of pounds for an air ambulance charity.
Barnard Castle School year 13 student Celine Jolley decided to stage an event as part of her Extended Project Qualification.
The 18-year-old, of Gilling West, near Richmond, organised a charity ball for the North East Air Ambulance.
She managed to sell around 270 tickets for the ball, staged at Hardwick Hall, and collected a host of sponsorship and donations for an auction and raffle, including a painting of the Sycamore Gap by celebrated artist Lucy Pittaway and a sculpture by art teacher Sarah Rothwell that each raised £500. Her parents companies, HR2day and MN Consultancy, also sponsored the event and provided gifts.
In total the spectacular event raised an impressive £18,747. The money raised will go directly towards the region’s air ambulance, which works to bring pioneering pre-hospital care to the scene, rescuing hundreds of severely injured or ill patients every year.
“I wanted to do something different that no-one had done before,” said Celine, who is also studying A levels in business, economics and psychology and hopes one day to work in health and safety.
“As a family we are active with horses, walking and skiing and realised the air ambulance is a vital service we all might need one day. I went on a visit to its HQ and they explained how expensive it is to run and that it receives no government funding.
“It was quite stressful worrying that no-one would turn up to the event but in the end it was a complete success – no-one wanted to leave.
“I had great support from local businesses. We had an offer of the use of a lodge, Porsche Teesside donated a driving day and Carole and Malcolm Knott donated a helicopter ride, so we had some amazing prizes.
“I hoped to raise £10,000 so was amazed to almost double that. I am quite organised but I feel I learned so much throughout the process, from managing budgets, collecting donations and coordinating volunteers, to overcoming unexpected challenges.
I’m so grateful to everyone who attended and supported the event.”
Mrs Rothwell said: “Celine’s dedication and hard work have been truly impressive. Not only has she organised an extraordinary event, but she has also used the experience to further her own learning in a practical and meaningful way. We are incredibly proud of her achievements.”
