Update on fundraiser for new Learning Resource Centre

We are pleased to say that after a lot of grit and determination, energy drinks, biscuits and bananas, Martin and Graeme have completed their fundraising challenge, cycling from Durham to York and back in a bid to raise money for a new Learning Resource Centre at St John’s College.

Martin Gibson, a staff member, and Graeme Holdsworth, a Cranmer student, completed the challenge in just one day, cycling to Bishopthorpe Palace to be greeted by the Archbishop of York before refilling their water bottles and returning back to Durham.They were met in York by Claire Readey, a staff member at St John’s who also cycled the return journey.

The Learning Resource Centre is the most significant fundraising project for St John’s College and Cranmer Hall in their collective histories. The £2.5m project will see the development of a 21^st century learning and teaching space which will offer a new and enhanced environment for learning, with individual and group study space along with audio-visual equipment in flexible teaching and meeting spaces – including video conferencing facilities for joint teaching with other UK and world-wide programmes.

Revd Prof David Wilkinson, Principal of the College said: “We are committed to providing the best resources we can for those who pass through our doors. Our existing library, housed in a former chapel, simply does not meet the needs of our students.

“Because we are financially independent of Durham University, we receive no external funding for such projects. We have already raised over £1.8m through the generosity of friends and supporters of College.”

To support this venture, please visit http://www.charitychoice.co.uk/fundraiser/graemeholdsworth/durham-york-durham-cycle . For further information about the sponsored bike ride, please telephone Martin Gibson on 0191 3343883.