Fundraiser, Lynn accepts special recognition award

A business development manager at Walsall College has won an award for her tremendous fundraising efforts and pioneering social action.  Lynn Pritchatt received a Good for Me Good for FE special recognition award for raising awareness of Motor Neurone Disease and advocating more research into the condition.

Her award was announced during a reception held at the House of Lords and was presented to her by FE Commissioner, Shelagh Legrave CBE.

In 2019, Lynn set up the Mel Evans MBE Foundation in memory of her partner who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.  The Foundation works to raise awareness of and provide vitally needed research funding into more effective treatments and a cure for the condition.

On receiving the award, Lynn said: “This means a great deal to me and the Foundation.  My award is also wonderful recognition for the college who actively support our work.”

 She continued: “Ultimately, it’s testament to the hard work of all the volunteers and fundraisers attending the Good for Me Good for FE Awards.  Everyone has shown an unwavering commitment to bringing about positive change across their communities while inspiring others to give back.

“Although our work doesn’t stop, awards like this remind us of how far we have come and how much more we can achieve.”

In September 2022, she raised £25,000 by completing the 14 counties in 14 days challenge (a 350-mile trek), where her college colleagues joined her for part of the journey.  This summer, she teamed up with the Rob Burrow MND Centre Appeal to host a crown green bowls charity challenge, raising £10,500 for the appeal and the MND Association.

According to the National Institutes for Health, the number of MND cases per year increased from 298 in 1998 to 466 in 2017. If this increase continues, the lifetime risk of MND will increase to 1 in 205 by 2050.

Lynn’s fundraising work and community interactions have helped pave the way for others to learn more about MND and those diagnosed with the condition.

The Good for Me Good for FE awards, sponsored by NCFE were launched in September to recognise colleges and individuals who have gone above and beyond to support their communities.

Prizes (provided by FE Associates) and certificates were presented to both winners and highly commended teams and individuals. College Principals (or representatives) read citations, sharing some truly inspirational stories with guests about the winners’ social action activities.

Opening the Good for Me Good for FE Awards event, host Baroness Nicky Morgan said:  “The Good for Me Good for FE campaign has connected staff and students with their communities across the country.

“Importantly, these awards recognise the remarkable volunteering and fundraising efforts that have taken place as part of this initiative over the last two years.

“The stories are truly inspirational, reflecting the kindness and dedication that is so evident in the FE sector.”

The event was opened by Dr Sam Parrett CBE, Group Principal and CEO of London South East Colleges, one of Good for Me Good for FE’s three founding colleges.

She said: “Colleges play such a valuable role in their communities and the extent of this is especially clear today.

“We are celebrating people who go above and beyond every single day to help improve the lives of others. This is so heart-warming, and I am proud to be part of such a fantastic initiative.

“We are extremely grateful to our sponsors – NCFE, FE Associates and FE Week – who have helped make today possible. A huge thank you also to our awards patron and host, our esteemed judges, our colleges and all our guests.

“And most importantly, well done all our award winners. You thoroughly deserve to have your efforts recognised and celebrated.”

Jo Maher, Principal of Loughborough College and also one of the campaign’s founders, was compere for the event, introducing each award.

She added: “There are so many people in colleges around the country who are absolutely committed to supporting other people – and it is so important that we celebrate this hard work.

“140 colleges got on board with Good for Me Good for FE and collectively we have generated over £4m of social value. This is the equivalent of thousands of volunteering hours and a huge amount of fundraising for good causes.”

The Good for Me Good for FE campaign was launched in 2021, led by London South East Colleges, Loughborough College and East Coast College. It aimed to connect staff and students with their communities and create a sustainable programme of fundraising and volunteering at colleges across the UK.

With 140 colleges and several corporate and charity partners coming on board, over £4m of social value has been generated to date. Thousands of pounds have also been raised and thousands of items donated to foodbanks. Visit goodformegoodforfe.co.uk