TRAFFORD College principal, Sir Bill Moorcroft, visited the Paterson Institute for Cancer Research in Manchester last week to present the fundraising team with a cheque for £32,303.

Trafford College has worked alongside the charity for three years after it was selected as the college’s official charity. The worthy cause was chosen after a number of staff were given a rare insight into the pioneering research being undertaken at the institute at the Christie Hospital.

The college set itself a target of £11,000 each year to help cover the cost of DNA banking for one year - where genes are stored and analysed for decades to come - an essential part of the institute’s research.

Staff and students at the college took part in fundraising events such as organising a donation station, taking part in Race for Life, and arranging Enterprise Week, where students set up their own businesses and sold a range of items. All proceeds from ticketed events such as end of term Christmas parties and summer barbeques were also donated to the charity.

Sarah Peach, senior local fundraising manager, who received the cheque on behalf of Cancer Research UK said: “Trafford College’s phenomenal support over the past three years will help Cancer Research UK to fund the construction of the new Manchester Cancer Research Centre in Withington.

“The new laboratories will attract more scientists, enabling us to make life saving discoveries, faster.”

Sir Bill Moorcroft added, “Trafford College has thoroughly enjoyed working with Cancer Research UK over the past three years and we have felt honoured to have been part of the incredible work they do every day to save lives.”

The final cheque presentation concludes the college’s fundraising for Cancer Research UK. The college is now supporting Cash for Kids, after it was nominated by college staff.