As part of their City and Guilds Preparation for Employment Qualification, 7 trainees and 1 tutor decided to hold a charity event at Halton YMCA Training in Widnes. The Preparation for Employment unit covered by the event was Understanding Citizenship (Planning a Community Project).

After researching charities in Halton, we identified that there were a number of cancer related organisations. One thing we all agreed on was that most people have some experience of cancer, whether it is directly or indirectly. We then pinpointed the Widnes and Runcorn Cancer Support Centre as this covered both sides of Halton.

We decided that we would set our project as a sponsorship event, the easy part being what to actually do. This took the girls in the group about a minute to decide that all the lads should have their legs waxed. There were a few groans for a second, but the lads soon agreed.

We then contacted the Widnes and Runcorn Cancer Support Centre detailing our plans. They were over the moon and invited us into their centre to explain further, to the staff and clients who use the centre. We attended the Thursday afternoon group 'HUGS CLUB' (Cancer Self-Help Support Group) and were very warmly welcomed. Dee, the Manager introduced us and we briefly explained what are plans were.

On the big day of the waxing, members of Halton YMCA staff kindly ensured that the cameras were available to record our brave efforts. Kelly, our Beauty Tutor, supervised the entire process ensuring health and safety was followed at all times; and to make sure that the girls didn't inflict too much pain on the lads. After about an hour and a half of screams and yelps (and laughter from those not getting their legs waxed) we had raised £304 for the centre.

We returned to the Widnes and Runcorn Cancer Support Centre with a large cheque that the trainees had made from a large piece of card.

Dee and all the clients were made up with the efforts of the young people involved, as are we the staff at Halton YMCA Training. The money raised will go towards aromatherapy and other relaxation equipment used at their centre.

A big thank you goes to Stephen Cotterill, Steph Harris, Paul Buckley, Kirsty Wright, Tom Bell, Steph Harris, Christina Carter and Chris Judge for taking part in the event and raising an excellent amount in a short time - Well Done.