Students from Ayrshire College have been recognised with a national award after raising more than £1,600 for Prostate Cancer Scotland through a student-led community campaign inspired by their Team Leader’s cancer diagnosis.
The students received the Community Impact Award for Scotland from The King’s Trust in recognition of their outstanding efforts to make a positive impact in their community while developing valuable teamwork, leadership and employability skills.
Learners from King’s Trust Qualification Teams 207 and 208 led the initiative as part of their course. During the programme, the group received the difficult news that their Team Leader, Bobby McCorriston, had been diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer.
Determined to turn a challenging situation into something positive, the students dedicated their community project to raising funds and awareness in support of Prostate Cancer Scotland. Through their hard work and determination, the students raised £1,645 for Prostate Cancer Scotland while also helping increase awareness of prostate cancer within their local community. The teams engaged with local organisations and businesses, successfully securing donations and prizes that helped maximise the impact of the project.
The students carried out research to better understand prostate cancer, engaging directly with Prostate Cancer Scotland to inform their campaign. They also worked closely with Bobby, deepening their understanding of the condition and its impact.
Over the following weeks, the group planned and delivered a wide-ranging programme of fundraising and awareness-raising activities. These included a JustGiving campaign, a sponsored Wellness Wander, raffles and auctions, as well as information sessions and engagement across Ayrshire College campuses.
Many students stepped outside their comfort zones to contact local businesses and community organisations, successfully securing donations and prizes including a speedboat experience and VIP cinema tickets.
The award was presented at a ceremony held at the Grand Central Hotel in Glasgow. Students were joined by Ayrshire College staff including Course Team Leaders Bobby McCorriston and Jacqueline McFadzean, along with Shona Howat, Curriculum Quality Manager.
Shona Howat, Curriculum Quality Manager at Ayrshire College, said:
This award reflects the commitment, teamwork and determination shown by our students from start to finish. They organised a fantastic programme of activities and made a meaningful contribution to an important cause.
A representative from Prostate Cancer Scotland, Bobby McCroskie, attended the final presentation to thank the students for their efforts. He said:
The dedication shown by these students has been outstanding. Not only did they raise vital funds, they also helped raise awareness of prostate cancer within their community. Their enthusiasm and professionalism made a real impact.
Ben Henderson, one of the students involved in the project said:
Being part of this project has been an amazing experience. We worked really hard as a team, and knowing we’ve made a positive difference in the community makes all the effort worthwhile.
Ayrshire College will now go forward to the UK-wide stage of The King’s Trust Awards, where the team has been nominated for the national Community Impact Award. If successful, the students will be invited to attend the prestigious awards ceremony at the Royal Albert Hall in London, where finalists from across the UK will be recognised for their achievements.
The recognition comes during a milestone year for The King’s Trust, which marks its 50th anniversary in 2026, celebrating five decades of supporting young people to build confidence, skills and brighter futures.