Fundraiser, Lynn is named a special recognition award finalist

A business development manager at Walsall College is in the running for an award that celebrates pioneering social action and volunteering opportunities for those in the further education sector.  Lynn Pritchatt is a finalist for a Good for Me Good for FE special recognition award.

She will attend an awards reception at the House of Lords in December where the award winner will be announced.

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.

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.

On discovering she was a special recognition award finalist, Lynn said: “This means a great deal.  It’s testament to the hard work that goes into raising funds for causes, including a cause that is so dear to my heart.”

Lynn continued: “It’s also lovely recognition of the support I have here at the college.  This is an accolade for the college as much as it is for myself.”

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.

Lynn discovered she was an award finalist during an online awards ceremony with nearly 200 attendees.

Opening the awards ceremony, Sam Parrett, group principal and chief executive of London South East Colleges, said: “Today’s award winners and finalists make such a positive difference to their colleges and their communities. The stories we have heard are truly inspiring and we are absolutely delighted to be celebrating such wonderful achievements from all corners of the UK.”