Thursday 16 December 2021
Hospitality and Catering students from Selby College have raised more than £280 for the British Biker Relief Foundation (BBRF) in memory of their former classmate Tom Ferguson.
Tom, who recently completed his Level 2 Professional Cookery qualification at the College, tragically lost his life due to a motorbike accident in September 2021.
The students held a Christmas raffle across the College to raise money for the BBRF, which helps support motorcyclists and their families across the UK after serious and lifechanging injuries sustained in an accident.
The BBRF offer a range of support, including counselling, children’s books and materials, home help equipment, mobility aids, physiotherapy and also help with small grants.
“Our class wanted to carry out a fundraiser for the British Biker Relief Foundation in memory of Tom, as he would have done the same for one of his fellow course mates. We thought it would be a nice idea to host a Christmas raffle, so our Guidance and Support Tutor Angie and Learning Support Practitioner Sara helped us to set this up and encouraged donations from staff at the College. We’re extremely grateful to those who bought raffle tickets and we hope that the money raised will support the British Biker Relief Foundation’s extremely important work,” said Mattese Elcock, 19, Hospitality and Catering student at Selby College.
Staff and students from across the College donated to and purchased tickets for the Christmas raffle, which included prizes such as hampers, gift sets, chocolates and more.
“When Mattese approached me asking for my help to set up the raffle in memory of Tom, I was overwhelmed by hers and her fellow classmates’ determination to support the British Biker Relief Foundation. They have gone above and beyond to ensure the raffle has been a huge success so that they can help to make a difference for the charity and most importantly to honour Tom’s name,” said Angela Hobden, Guidance and Support Tutor at Selby College.
Liz Ridley, Deputy Principal at Selby College, said of Tom’s passing: “Tom finished his Level 2 Hospitality and Catering course with us in summer, which he was carrying out whilst working as a chef at Loftsome Bridge Hotel. He was a larger than life character and was destined for great things. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”
Tom’s family have also set up a ‘Ride for Tom’ Facebook page, which is a place where those who knew Tom can share memories of him. They also plan to use the page to organise charity fundraisers in memory of Tom in the future.
