A crackling fundraising event saw more than one hundred guests trot to Sitwell Park Golf Club to take part in a unique pig racing evening. With seven races taking place throughout the night, there were plenty of chances for guests to bring home the bacon, with colourfully named competitors including Pjork, Notorious P.I.G. and Albert Einesweine hogging the limelight on the specially built racetrack.
However, the real winner on the night was Rotherham Opportunities College, with the event raising an impressive £2,250. The evening was organised by members of Rotherham Round Table, Rotherham Tangent, Rotherham 41 Club and Rotherham Sitwell Rotary Club, with proceeds being used to purchase specialist radio broadcasting equipment for installation in a purpose-built studio within the college.
The charity, which supports young adults with special educational needs to prepare for life after education, hosts a weekly radio show on community station Red Road FM. The show allows students to share their experiences and treat listeners to some of their favourite tunes. Although the weekly show has proved popular since it first hit the airwaves earlier this year, the college recognised that some students were unable to take part due to limited mobility and restricted space at the radio station. Members of the four clubs decided to step in to help make the experience accessible to all.
Jo Galloway, Chair of Rotherham Tangent, said: “Our four organisations share common goals of supporting the local community in Rotherham. When the college approached the Round Table, we realised it would be a great opportunity to work together. We wanted to create an event that would raise a few eyebrows and leave people squealing with laughter – pig racing seemed like a natural choice. It was wonderful to see so many people come together to support the event and raise money for such a good cause.”
Dr Perdita Mousley, Principal of Rotherham Opportunities College, said: “When we spoke to the Round Table about the challenges our students were facing, they told me they wanted to do something special to support us. Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined the idea of a pig race, but it was a fantastic evening. I’d like to thank all four clubs for their incredible efforts and generosity. The proceeds from the event will help our students develop skills they will use throughout their lives.
“Our regular broadcasts on Red Road FM have been a terrific way for students to learn and develop communication skills. The weekly shows have become one of the highlights of the college week. Building a studio within the college will allow more of our students to take part in this unique learning experience.”
Rotherham Opportunities College is a specialist education provider supporting students aged 16 to 25 with special educational needs. The college currently works with around 80 young adults, equipping them with the skills needed to enjoy greater independence and prepare for life after college.