West Thames College Students Raise £1,000 for Charity
English learners hold cake sale for Breast Cancer Now
A selection of the cakes on offer. Picture: West Thames College
October 28, 2026
Students at West Thames College have raised an impressive £1,111 for Breast Cancer Now after organising a learner-led Breast Cancer Awareness Cake Sale that brought together staff, students and the wider college community.
The fundraiser, held on Wednesday 21 October, was planned and delivered entirely by learners from the college’s classes for people learning the English language. Students took responsibility for every stage of the event — from baking and setting up stalls to welcoming visitors, running fundraising games, managing finances and clearing up afterwards. Working collaboratively across classes, they selected representatives, agreed roles and coordinated the day’s activities, supported by teachers who guided but encouraged learners to take full ownership.
The event also included an awareness stall created by Level 1 Health and Care learners, who produced informative posters highlighting the signs and symptoms of breast cancer. Level 2 Community Interpreting learners supported Pre-Entry ESOL students with communication, helping them engage confidently with visitors and staff.
Philip Sullivan, West Thames College’s link governor, attended the event and took part in the fundraising games, showing his support for the learners’ efforts.
All funds raised will go directly to Breast Cancer Now, which provides research, information and support services for people affected by breast cancer.
The ESOL students and staff who contributed to the fundraising effort. Picture: West Thames College
Tana Rasekh, CQTM in ESOL Adult, said she was overwhelmed by both the generosity of the college community and the achievements of the learners. “I have always believed that when you are ambitious for your learners and your team, and give them the confidence and opportunity to take ownership, incredible things can happen. I had every confidence the event would be a success — but I hadn’t anticipated the sheer generosity that led to raising £1,111.
“For me, the greatest success wasn’t just the money raised, but seeing our learners rise to the challenge, take pride in their responsibilities and confidently engage with the wider college community. It was a testament to what learners can achieve when we have high expectations, believe in their potential and create meaningful opportunities for them to shine.”
Beyond fundraising, the event offered valuable real-life learning experiences. Learners practised speaking, listening and communication skills while interacting with visitors, and developed teamwork, leadership, customer service, problem-solving and financial literacy — all key elements of the college’s ESOL curriculum, which aims to empower learners to use English confidently beyond the classroom and become active members of their communities.
West Thames College thanked the ESOL Adult and PET team for their dedication, as well as everyone who bought cakes, took part in games, donated or encouraged learners throughout the day. Following the success of the fundraiser, staff hope to make the cake sale an annual event and plan to expand learner-led enrichment opportunities, including community volunteering, employer engagement, educational visits and collaborative projects with local organisations.
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