Queen Mary’s College has wrapped up QMC Social Action 2025 this week, marking the second successful year of the initiative following 2024’s outstanding debut. This year, QMC first-year students have raised £30,693.
What is QMC’s Social Action Project?
The Social Action Project is a three-day challenge for first-year students that combines personal development with community impact. It was first launched in 2024, where the project saw students collectively raising £22.5K for both large and local charities. The initiative creates an opportunity for students to develop transferrable soft skills whilst making a positive impact.
Challenge Brief
First-year students were divided into teams based on their tutor groups and tasked with planning a fundraising project for a charity of their choice. Each team faced the same challenge as last year’s participants: raise a minimum of £200.
To track and promote their efforts, groups created dedicated Instagram pages where they documented their progress and shared updates throughout the project. After completing detailed planning and final risk assessments, the teams launched their projects.
Projects This Year
The projects and causes supported varied widely, ranging from classic bake sales and sponsored walks to ambitious challenges like skydiving, and innovative ideas such as creating a game show-style audience participation event.
Other initiatives included:
- Completing an Ironman triathlon—3.86 km swim, 180.2 km bike ride and 42.4 km run
- Litter picking (with one group making art out of the rubbish collected) and beach clean-ups
- A pool tournament to raise awareness about addiction
- Car washes and dog walking services
- Cycling 44 miles from Queen Mary’s College to Fratton Park in Portsmouth
- A 100-lap track challenge (40 km total)
- A series of livestreamed esports games
- Movie/Cinema club
- Swimming the equivalent distance of the English Channel (560 km)
- Sponsored walks from 10 to 120 miles
- Sweet jar guessing competitions
- Food bank donations
Their impact was immediate and visible. Charity organisations began recognising the students’ efforts on social media, tagging the College in their posts.
Step by Step, which tackles youth homelessness in South England, celebrated QMC students Charlie, Izzy, and Poppy as “Fundraising Heroes” after they collectively walked 16.5 miles for the cause.
The FutureSense Foundation gave a shoutout to Team FutureSenseQMC (Logan, Ayilar, Janaki, Jess, Lara, Toby, Seth, Bell and Ann) for supporting them through a sponsored walk totalling 30km.
Ike Fest
One group organised IkeFest, a festive fundraising event in honour of first-year QMC student Ike, who is currently receiving treatment for cancer.
In support of their friend, his team came together and held IkeFest at Basingstoke Rugby Club to raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust, who support young people (13-24) with cancer.
IkeFest was an exciting and fun event, filled with mini games, a tombola, a barbecue and a touch rugby tournament. The turnout was incredible, with friends and family showing their support for both Ike and the cause. The funds raised will support other young people battling cancer.
Three of Ike’s teammates, Phoebe, Rhys and Ed, explained the why and how behind the success of the event; watch their interview with That’s TV Hampshire here. Principal Mark Henderson and Director of Progression Victoria Renault also talked about the intention and impact of QMC Social Action; watch their interview here.
Community Project
Fundraising isn’t the only way students take on Social Action. With an emphasis on making a positive difference, students may choose to do a community project, providing a direct service. This year, a group of students painted a mural at St. Mark’s CofE Primary School to give back to the local community and inspire the children.
Celebrations and Prizes
As with last year’s Social Action Project, many teams significantly exceeded their £200 fundraising target. After completing their projects over the three days, all teams delivered final presentations to their tutor groups.
Throughout the project, a judging panel monitored each team’s progress and gathered feedback from tutors, as there were six categories for which teams could be awarded prizes.
QMC Social Action 2025 ended in a closing celebration at Central Studio with all tutors of award-winning groups present. Each team, alongside their tutor, gave a brief overview of their project, detailing the process and lessons learnt.
After careful deliberation, prizes were awarded across six categories:
Most Creative and Innovative Project – 60 Tons for African Elephants
This group of six students each lifted 10 tons of weight, equivalent to an African bush elephant, to raise money for WWF: World Wide Fund For Nature.
Project Most Linked to the Cause – IkeFest
IkeFest raised money for the Teenage Cancer Trust in honour of Ike, creating a deeply personal connection to their cause.
Best Teamwork – 70km for Crohn’s
The entire team walked 70km through the countryside from Basingstoke to Holden Farm and back, motivated to fundraise for Crohn’s and Colitis UK, a charity close to one team member’s heart.
Most Money Raised – IkeFest
IkeFest raised £3,235 in total, beating their £500 target by 646%.
Best Social Media Campaign – Hot Cakes and Hot Wheels
The team raised money for the Fire Fighters Charity. The judges were impressed with their concise Instagram branding, clear information presentation, and streamlined donation process.
Highly Commended – One Step Closer
This team was recognised for the remarkable passion and commitment they showed for their project. During their sponsored walk, they put themselves in the shoes of those with mobility challenges. Whenever they encountered a path that would be difficult for someone with accessibility needs, they stopped and re-routed themselves, extending their walk by five miles. Along their route, they documented these inaccessible areas and plan to send their findings to the local council to advocate for improved accessibility.
Principal’s Words
“I am incredibly proud of our students for raising over £30,000 in just three days during QMC Social Action 2025. They have shown creativity, teamwork, and a genuine commitment to making a difference. This initiative is not only about fundraising; it is also about personal growth. The confidence and skills they have developed will stay with them for life.” – Principal Mark Henderson.
Making A Difference
QMC’s Social Action Project challenges students to work together in support of chosen charities. Beyond the money raised, they have stepped out of their comfort zones, displaying strong teamwork, creativity, determination, and enthusiasm. The initiative requires both project management skills and encourages them to develop grit, pushing students to come out of their shell and believe in themselves to execute their projects. It’s a privilege to watch their confidence build throughout the three days.
Evan, a first-year who runs his own car washing service, decided to use his skills with his teammates for Social Action. He said: “It was great to see all our customers impressed with their cars, and to do something impactful and character-building. I thank you for giving me and everyone who took part in QMC Social Action the opportunity to develop our leadership skills, teamwork, dedication and grit when carrying out our project.”
Their efforts create real, positive change in the local community and on a broader scale, proving that student action can make a meaningful difference in the world.
To see more photos and details about individual projects, check out #QMCSocialAction on Instagram!
