A final-year Business Management and Events Management student from the University of Chester has successfully raised an impressive £3,690.76 for the mental health charity Mind through a meticulously organised Go-Karting Championship event. Lauren Gillbanks, studying at Chester Business School, executed this project as part of her academic requirements, demonstrating exceptional event management capabilities and fostering strong community involvement.
Event Details and Fundraising Success
The Warrington Sprint Cup, hosted at TeamSport Go Karting Warrington, was designed as a competitive Go‑Karting Championship catering to both adults and juniors. Participants engaged in an action-packed day featuring practice sessions, qualifying rounds, heats, semi‑finals, and finals, with winners being crowned in each category. This dynamic structure not only provided thrilling entertainment but also served as the core fundraising activity.
In addition to the racing, the event included supplementary fundraising initiatives such as a Name the Teddy game, a Guess the Number of Sweets in the Jar contest, and a raffle. The raffle was significantly bolstered by generous donations from over 15 local companies, highlighting widespread community support. These combined efforts culminated in the substantial donation to Mind, which will aid the charity in its mission to provide mental health resources, advocacy, and services across the United Kingdom.
Student and Supervisor Reflections
Lauren Gillbanks expressed her gratitude and shared insights from the experience, stating, “Seeing everyone come together to support such an important cause while competing in something they all genuinely enjoy was incredibly rewarding. The atmosphere on the day had a real sense of community, and I’ve learnt so much about planning, leadership, and adapting in real time. This project has shown me how impactful events can be when people unite behind a shared passion and purpose.” She also extended thanks to the staff at TeamSport Go Karting Warrington, including James, Aidan, Georgia, Jenni, Matt, Mikey, Lucy, Cecil, Charlie, Dan, Tom, Brad, and Layla, for their voluntary support in staffing the event.
Tim Brown, Lauren’s supervisor and acting head of Chester Business School, commended her achievement, noting, “Lauren’s project is an outstanding example of experiential learning in action. She has demonstrated professionalism, creativity, and determination in delivering an event that achieved a remarkable fundraising total for Mind. At Chester Business School, we place great value on students learning through real-world experience, as it develops the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills essential for their future careers. We are incredibly proud of Lauren’s achievement and the positive impact her work has had on the community.”
Broader Implications and Community Impact
This initiative underscores the effectiveness of hands-on, experiential learning in higher education, particularly within business and events management disciplines. By integrating academic objectives with charitable endeavours, students like Lauren can apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, thereby enhancing their professional development while contributing positively to societal causes.
The event’s success also highlights the vital role of community engagement in fundraising efforts. The collaboration between local businesses, volunteers, and participants not only amplified the financial outcome but also fostered a sense of collective responsibility towards mental health awareness. Such projects exemplify how educational institutions can serve as catalysts for community-driven initiatives, promoting both personal growth and social welfare.
Located in Chester, Cheshire, this project adds to the region’s legacy of community-focused activities, reinforcing the importance of mental health support and the power of collaborative action in addressing critical issues.
