It proved a long day for this bunch of Billingham teenagers who opted to go hungry for a good cause.
The kind hearted students from SRC Bede Sixth Form denied themselves all meals and snacks for up to 24 hours in a bid to raise funds for Cruse Bereavement Care.
“Grief is something that can affect everyone,” said 18-year-old Rebecca Parkin, who came up with the idea and quickly talked classmates into joining in.
Having been helped by the bereavement counselling service herself, following the loss of her cousin last year, she said: “I wanted to give something back.”
Choosing whether to go hungry for 12 or 24 hours; a total of 17 staff and students played their part in the sponsored fast, among them SRC Bede Sixth Form Director Rick Wells.
“I was overwhelmed by the number of people that agreed to get involved and the amount of people who sponsored us as well,” said Rebecca of Billingham.
Having planted a tree in the college’s eco garden and then bringing everyone together to brave the last few hours side by side, the Psychology, Sociology and RPE student said: “It was tougher for some than others, but we all helped one another, we all did really well.”
Pal, Kyla Whittaker, 18, of Stockton, added: “It was pretty tough and I could feel my tummy rumbling by the end, but it was worth it knowing that it was for such a good cause.”
Cruse Bereavement Care offers individual and group support following the death of someone close. Its bereavement counselling services are delivered by trained bereavement support volunteers across the UK.