Apprentices raise £1,500 for vital charity

Nuclear apprentices put teamwork into action to support a vital heart health charity, raising £1,500 for the cause. 

The Sellafield Ltd apprentices, who are trained by Lakes College, raised £1,500 for Logan and Gary’s Lions Heart Fund, a lifesaving initiative that funds heart screenings in memory of two beloved figures from the rugby league community.   

The fundraising took place during National Apprenticeship Week and involved the Sellafield Ltd nuclear apprentices who are based at Energus. Divided into groups, they were tasked with developing creative and sustainable fundraising ideas – ranging from games to products – with all proceeds going to the charity.  

Josh MacAlister, MP for Whitehaven and Workington, attended the event, chatting with the apprentices and taking part in the activities.  

Lakes College Principal Chris Nattress praised the fundraising, saying: “Seeing young people work together in teams is great, but to see them doing it for such a worthy cause is just amazing.  

“Supporting heart screening for adolescents is so important, and this kind of initiative really makes a difference. Well done to everyone involved.”  

Logan Holgate, was a Sellafield Ltd apprentice when he sadly passed away aged 18. His aunt Lisa Powe was presented the cheque at Energus, where the current apprentices train.   

Lisa said: “We rely on donations, and what the apprentices have done is even more special because Logan almost started his career here. It’s lovely to see people at Lakes College supporting the fund.”  

She added: “The money raised goes directly to providing heart screenings for people aged 16 and over. There are young people out there with undiagnosed conditions, and this screening can save lives.”

Helen Graham, Social Impact Manager at Lakes College said: “The learners and staff really put so much effort into the project and should be incredibly proud of the amount they raised for such a good cause.”