Eden Lillywhite and Josh Sly, second-year students at Alton College pursuing a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport, orchestrated a nonstop netball marathon that spanned 12 hours and amassed £1,200 for local charities. Their effort, part of an academic module on event organization, delivered £561 to Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice and an additional £660 to the Alzheimer’s Society, with the remainder supporting other causes.
Lillywhite, a netball player for nine years, described the experience as emotionally rewarding. “It was incredible to see how many people showed up—not just students, but community members, family, and friends,” she said. “Netball brought everyone together for something so much bigger than the game.” The event attracted participants from Alton Lions, Vocational Foundation Learning students, and local sport learners, transforming the college’s sports hall into a vibrant hub of activity.
Key Points
- ✅ Two students organized a 12-hour netball marathon as part of their coursework
- ⚡ Total fundraising reached £1,200 for multiple local charities
- 💡 The event united over 50 participants from the college and community
Dean Gillatt, sports lecturer at HSDC overseeing the diploma course, praised the initiative. “These students didn’t just meet the assignment brief—they exceeded expectations,” Gillatt said. “They demonstrated leadership, resilience, and a genuine commitment to making a difference.” The module, designed to raise aspirations across all three college campuses, emphasizes real-world application of sports management skills.
| Contribution | Amount Raised | Beneficiary |
|---|---|---|
| Netball Marathon | £561 | Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice |
| Charity Fundraising | £660 | Alzheimer’s Society |
| Additional Donations | £179 | Local causes |
While the marathon was the centerpiece, it was part of a broader fundraising push by students on the diploma course. Earlier in the term, learners organized a beetle drive that raised nearly £2,000 for a memorial fund, and obstacle course challenges are planned to purchase life-saving hospital equipment. These activities underscore a growing trend among students to merge academic projects with tangible social impact.
📋 By The Numbers
- 12 hours — Continuous netball played without breaks
- 50+ participants — Ranged from students to community volunteers
- £1,200 total — Funds directed to hospices and Alzheimer’s research
The marathon began at 8 a.m. and concluded at 8 p.m., with players rotating shifts and supporters cheering from the sidelines. Organizers emphasized the physical and mental stamina required, noting that sustained focus was as important as athletic skill. “It wasn’t just about scoring goals,” said Sly. “It was about endurance, teamwork, and showing what young people can achieve when they set their minds to it.”
💡 Pro Tip
For endurance charity events, stagger participant shifts every 30-45 minutes to maintain energy levels and avoid burnout. Use a rotation schedule and assign roles such as referee, scorer, and morale booster to keep momentum.
Lillywhite and Sly both aim to pursue careers in sport and health sciences after completing their diploma. Their success in fundraising has not only supported vital local services but also strengthened their professional portfolios. “This experience taught us more about leadership than any textbook could,” Lillywhite reflected. “We’re already planning next year’s event—and it will be even bigger.”