Students turn £25 into £12,700 for charity in record-breaking challenge

First-year Business and Management students at a North East university have raised over £12,700 for charity through a month-long challenge. The annual Take £25 Challenge tasked teams with turning a small starting budget into as much money as possible for The Children’s Foundation.

The winning team, *North East Giving*, secured more than £2,500—the highest total since the event began.

The challenge required each team to start with just £25. Over four weeks, 24 groups organised a variety of fundraising activities. These included bake sales, raffles, food stalls, lucky dips, and carnival-style games.

In total, the students raised £12,743.30, including Gift Aid. The money will support The Children’s Foundation, which helps vulnerable and marginalised young people across the region. Beyond fundraising, the challenge aimed to develop key skills. Participants gained practical experience in entrepreneurship, confidence, and commercial awareness. The charity’s chief executive praised their efforts as *extraordinary* and *inspiring*.

The Take £25 Challenge has now set a new record for funds raised. The event not only benefits The Children’s Foundation but also equips students with real-world business skills. Next year’s participants will look to build on this year’s success.