Oldham College students are preparing to swap their textbooks for paddles as they take on a Dragon Boat Race to raise money for the children's unit at The Royal Oldham Hospital.

The fundraising effort will support the Sunshine Appeal, run by NorthCare Charity, which provides equipment, activities and improvements to the unit's environment for young patients and their families.

The Children's Unit cares for around 10,000 children each year, including those with complex needs, learning disabilities and mental health challenges. It includes inpatient wards, a high dependency unit, procedure rooms, an outdoor courtyard, an infant feeding room and a specialist Sunshine Room that supports children with complex needs and those receiving end of life care.

Ricky Barber, from the Sunshine Appeal, said: "We are incredibly grateful to the students from Oldham College for choosing to support the Sunshine Appeal. Their energy, enthusiasm and commitment mean so much to our team and, more importantly, to the children and families we care for. Every pound raised will help us enhance the environment, equipment and experiences we can offer our young patients. We’ll be cheering them on every step and every paddle of the way."

The challenge forms part of the college's social action programme, which encourages students to get involved in projects that benefit the local community.

Louise Hood, from Oldham College, said: "We are immensely proud of our students for embracing this challenge. Their dedication to making a difference in the lives of children at our local hospital reflects the very best of what our social action projects are all about: community, compassion and positive action."

She added that participating in the event also gives students the chance to support families who need help while experiencing something new together.

The Dragon Boat Race is set to be a lively event, with teams competing on the water to raise funds for good causes. The Oldham College team will be hoping to paddle their way to success while raising as much as possible for the hospital unit.

The Sunshine Appeal is part of NorthCare Charity, which supports hospitals across Oldham, Rochdale, Salford and Bury. Donations to the students' fundraising page can be made online via JustGiving, with all proceeds going directly to the appeal.

People who wish to support the students can donate through the team's fundraising page, where every contribution – large or small – will help make a difference to the young people and families who rely on the unit's care.