HIGH achieving Andover College students have put their skills to work helping locally-based international charity Breathtakers.

Part of an active citizenship project, the students have been busy promoting awareness and raising money for the charity, which supports a rare respiratory condition called Obliterative Bronchioltis (OB).

Whilst researching various charities to support, the team decided on Breathtakers having heard from Kiri Thompson, one of the students on the team but also an ambassador for the charity, with which she shares a personal connection.

Kiri’s mother Lynne Thompson actually founded Breathtakers, the only UK-registered charity which specifically supports OB.

The students embraced the challenge of promoting awareness and raising money for the charity.

Across the campus and out into the town, industrious talents were put to work by baking, performing and even bag packing in a concerted effort to raise awareness.

Students were responsible for running the activities and campaign themselves, contacting local businesses and the local media for support.

As a result of all their efforts the students raised £130 for the charity.

Breathtakers’ aim is to specifically raise awareness and help meet the needs of those suffering worldwide from OB.

OB has life-limiting effects such as shortness of breath and susceptibility to chest infection.