Rotherham College Wear it Purple Day

Rotherham College was full of colour, community spirit, and activity as we hosted our Wear it Purple fundraising event in support of the Weston Park Cancer Charity, an award-winning initiative that brings vital cancer support services on the road and directly into local communities across South Yorkshire.

Sweet treats and community spirit

Our event stall quickly became a buzzing hub of activity. Thanks to the generosity of staff, students, and volunteers, we offered a tempting array of baked goods, from homemade cakes to cookies and more. All to raise funds for a cause that makes a real difference to people affected by cancer.

Whether staff and students were picking up a treat or stopping by for a chat, the stall was a welcoming space for everyone.

Fun and games for all ages

We loved seeing people get involved in our interactive activities throughout the day:

• “Guess my name” Competition: With lots of curious guesses as participants tried to guess the mystery name.
• Arts and crafts: Student’s creative energy was flowing as they made crafts to show their support.
• Face painting: Both staff and students across the College sporting painted faces in support. The vibrant designs added even more colour to the celebration, creating plenty of smiles and photo moments.

These activities helped bring people together with fun and purpose, creating space for connection and collaboration for an important cause across RNN Group’s Colleges.

Supporting an important cause

By wearing purple and raising funds, we’re proud to support Weston Park Cancer Charity. This initiative not only provides emotional and practical support, but also offers advice, welfare help, and access to healthcare professionals for people affected by cancer in towns and neighbourhoods around South Yorkshire.

It’s more than just a bus – it’s a mobile support centre that brings care to families and individuals who might otherwise face barriers in accessing help. Events like ours help sustain that work and spread awareness of the difference these services make.

A special visit from Paddy

We were delighted to welcome Paddy, Rotherham College’s much-loved African Mastiff, to our Wear it Purple event. Paddy is a key part of the College’s student support network and is usually seen helping students stay calm during high-pressure periods such as exam seasons. Known for his gentle-giant nature, he plays an important role in promoting wellbeing and creating a relaxed, supportive environment across campus. His visit brought plenty of smiles, fuss, and comfort to students and staff, perfectly reflecting the caring community spirit of the day.

Looking ahead

A huge thank you to everyone who joined in, from baking and buying treats, to taking part in activities and showing their support. Your energy and generosity help turn days like this into moments that matter for real people facing challenging times.

Find out about wellbeing and support services at Rotherham College