Tuesday 05-11-2019 - 15:04

 

Representatives of the Highlands and Islands Students’ Association (HISA) in Inverness baked for the masses on Tuesday to raise money for Breast Cancer Now and suicide aversion charity Mikeysline.

With hopes of raising awareness for both causes, HISA Inverness hosted cross-campus bake sales at Inverness College UHI, the Centre for Health Science and the Scottish School of Forestry. To spark further attraction, Dr Margaret Carlisle, a Geography lecturer at Inverness College UHI, dyed her hair pink in support of the two charities, hoping the drastic act would gain the attention of the Inverness Students.

Breast Cancer Now’s ‘Wear it Pink’ campaign is one of the biggest fundraising events in the UK, with thousands of people wearing pink in their communities, schools or workplaces for the UK's largest breast cancer charity. Similarly, Mikeysline provides support for people struggling with mental health challenges including loneliness and depression and aims to reduce the numbers turning to self-harm and suicide.

HISA Inverness believes in the  importance of good mental and physical health for students, and together with Inverness College UHI, are working on other mental health initiatives to ensure that the student population of Inverness has access to support and guidance at all times.

The Inverness team hopes to bring the three Inverness-based UHI campuses together through this event,  creating a strong sense of community and providing stronger support networks for all local students. HISA Inverness is extremely grateful to Dr Margaret Carlisle for participating in this charitable enterprise. 

Commenting on the fundraiser, HISA Inverness President, George Gunn said: 

"By wearing it pink, enjoying home-baking and having our ever-courageous geography lecturer Dr Margaret Carlisle willingly dye her hair, we have raised awareness of two very deserving charities.

Ensuring our student’s mental and physical health is a top priority for our team. Breast Cancer Now and Mikeysline are key players in this and are organisations close to the hearts of many in our campus community.

Students and staff across our three Inverness campuses have dug deep and supported our series of events in great spirits today."

Inverness College Geography lecturer, Dr Margaret Carlisle, said: 

‘’I am delighted to be fundraising today for these really worthwhile charities. They do a huge amount to help the local community. 

Together with HISA Inverness, I hope we can raise lots of money to continue this good work.’’

HISA Inverness Vice President for Activities and Welfare said: 

“I hope that the bake sales today will help create a stronger community atmosphere across our three Inverness based campuses. We are grateful to all of our students and staff members who have come together to support us in the running of this charitable event.’’

Go #TeamHISA!!