Level 1 Health & Social Care students at Buckinghamshire College Group’s Aylesbury campus took part last week in a spinal cord injury awareness initiative designed to deepen their understanding of disability, while supporting local charity Stoke Mandeville Spinal Research (SMSR).
During the week, students heard from SMSR Ambassador Kat Panagaki, a wheelchair user, and the charity’s Community Fundraiser Kate Favell. Together, they introduced the realities of spinal cord injury (SCI), the associated health complications, and the vital research SMSR funds to improve quality of life for people living with paralysis. Students also had the opportunity to ask Kat questions about her lived experience, gaining rare and valuable insight into the everyday challenges faced by those with spinal cord injuries.
As part of the initiative, learners took part in the charity’s Wheels at Work challenge — an activity that encourages participants to spend time using a wheelchair. The experience aimed to build empathy, raise awareness, and help students better understand the daily obstacles many wheelchair users encounter.
Alongside these educational sessions, students had been enthusiastically supporting SMSR through a series of fundraising efforts in the lead-up to the event, including Tuck Shops and Thrift & Thrive sales. Their tutor, Sonia Mosheshe, also contributed by completing the Winter Warmer Run at Campbell Park in February, further boosting the group’s total.
Emma Bass, Placement Officer at Buckinghamshire College Group, said:
“Allowing our students the opportunity to plan and deliver fundraising events has given them the chance to develop a range of key employability skills that will be transferable in the workplace. It has been great to see them rise to the challenge and work together with positivity and confidence. A big thanks to their tutor, Sonia, who has been a huge support to them throughout the process and who has helped boost our fundraising by taking part in a 5k run – she has been amazing! Thank you also to Kate, who has been a joy to collaborate with on this incredible project.”
Sonia Mosheshe, Lecturer in Health & Social Care and Early Years at Buckinghamshire College Group, said:
“The students in Level 1 Health and Social are passionate about working in the industry, and the Wheels at Work activity provided valuable insight into the struggles faced by spinal injury patients."
Kate Favell, Community Fundraiser at SMSR, added:
“Working with Buckinghamshire College Group and the Aylesbury campus students has been fantastic. Their enthusiasm to learn, ask questions, and push themselves to understand life with a spinal cord injury is inspiring. Every pound they raised helps us fund essential research that makes a real difference to people living with SCI.”
A huge thank you to Kat Panagaki and Kate Favell from SMSR for sharing their knowledge and experiences, and a big well done to all the students and staff involved. Their enthusiasm, teamwork, and commitment to supporting an important cause have made a meaningful impact on both their learning and the local community.
