Purple Fest shines light on SUDEP awareness and raises over £1,000 in donations

Learners and staff across Coleg Sir Gâr have raised an impressive £1,100 in support of Purple Day, helping to raise awareness of epilepsy and SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy) through a series of creative and inclusive events.

In addition, and in recognition of the college community’s efforts, the charity has presented the college with a certificate celebrating the difference Coleg Sir Gâr learners have made through their fundraising and awareness work.

So many students and staff have put a lot of work into this year’s awareness raising and fundraising efforts, from the catering team’s home-made bake sale to art students and ILS students making purple tie-dye t-shirts. 

The college’s Purple Day activities began with a special purple-themed transition event designed to help ILS (Independent Living Skills) and Fresh Start learners’ study SUDEP in a fun, engaging and creative way, while also exploring future vocational opportunities across the college.

As part of the event, students took part in a purple tie-dye t-shirt workshop led by Rebecca Sellick from the college’s art department. 

Learners also had the opportunity to meet the animal care and motor mechanics teams, explore college facilities and interact with a variety of interesting animals.

Following the success of the transition event, ILS tutors Clare George, Alyce Newell and Helen Yates organised ‘Purple Fest’ - an inclusive music festival bringing together students and staff from across campuses in a vibrant celebration of awareness, creativity and community spirit.

The festival featured live music, festival hair and makeup, glitter tattoos, an ice cream truck and a range of fundraising activities. Students and staff also contributed to a purple-themed hamper raffle, buying purple items and decorating hampers to raise additional funds for the campaign.

Helen Edwards, head of ILS at Coleg Sir Gâr said: “The wellbeing team, catering staff and learners all played an important role in the fundraising efforts, with bake sales and other activities helping to increase awareness of SUDEP in a welcoming and inclusive environment.

“This marks the second year Helen Yates has borought campuses together in memory of her son to raise awareness of SUDEP, with the event continuing to grow year after year.”

A huge thank you has been extended to all students and staff who supported the events and helped make this year’s Purple Day campaign such a meaningful success.

To find out more about the national campaign visit https://sudep.org.