A final-year student at University of Chester has raised £3,690.76 for Mind after staging a competitive go-karting championship as part of her degree project.
Lauren Gillbanks, who studies Business Management and Events Management at Chester Business School, organised the Warrington Sprint Cup at TeamSport Go Karting Warrington, bringing together adult and junior drivers for a structured day of racing and fundraising.
A Practical Project with a Purpose
The event featured practice sessions, qualifying rounds, heats, semi-finals and finals, with category winners crowned at the end of the day. Alongside the racing, attendees took part in a raffle and fundraising games, including “Name the Teddy” and “Guess the Number of Sweets in the Jar”, with prizes donated by more than 15 local businesses.
The championship formed Lauren’s final-year events management project, requiring her to oversee planning, sponsorship, logistics and delivery – while ensuring the event generated funds for charity.
Lauren said: “Seeing everyone come together to support such an important cause while competing in something they all genuinely enjoy was incredibly rewarding. The atmosphere on the day had a real sense of community and I’ve learnt so much about planning, leadership, and adapting in real time. This project has shown me how impactful events can be when people unite behind a shared passion and purpose.
“I would like to thank the staff at TeamSport Go Karting Warrington James, Aidan, Georgia, Jenni, Matt, Mikey, Lucy, Cecil, Charlie, James, Dan, Aidan, Tom, Brad and Layla for staffing the event and volunteering their time.”
Real-World Experience
Tim Brown, Lauren’s Supervisor and Acting Head of Chester Business School, said the project demonstrated the value of applied learning.
“Lauren’s project is an outstanding example of experiential learning in action. She has demonstrated professionalism, creativity, and determination in delivering an event that achieved a remarkable fundraising total for Mind.
“At Chester Business School, we place great value on students learning through real-world experience, as it develops the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills essential for their future careers. We are incredibly proud of Lauren’s achievement and the positive impact her work has had on the community.”
Supporting Mental Health Services
The funds raised will contribute to Mind’s ongoing work providing mental health advice, advocacy and support services across the UK.
For Lauren, the project was both an academic milestone and a demonstration of how community-led events can deliver tangible impact beyond the classroom.
