CHARITIES in Nottingham have reaped the rewards of city students' record-breaking fund-raising.
Karnival, the University of Nottingham's student-led fund- raising group, has collected a massive £1.6 million in 2012.
It is the most ever collected by a student-run group in Europe – smashing the group's own record of £1.3 million.
Cash from Karnival has been distributed between national charities like Oxfam, the Poppy Appeal, Hope for Children, the Meningitis Trust and Children in Need.
Local campaigns such as the Teenage Cancer Trust's drive to open a new £500,000 teenage oncology ward at the Queen's Medical Centre also benefited.
Angela Horsley, clinical lead for Nottingham Children's Hospital at the QMC, said: "The money raised will make a real difference to patients on our oncology ward."
The money has also funded HeartLight, a university-led project to develop equipment to resuscitate newborn babies. Clinical trials have already taken place, but scientists say they need extra funding.
Money came from a variety of events and activities, including a trek on the Inca Trail.
Karnival is led by a team of students – 11 executives and 127 representatives – who organise fundraising events throughout the year.
Roxy Ward, publicity officer for Karnival, said: "A lot of people see students in a bad light. This shows that students do good things and raise money for very worthwhile causes. Everyone who took part deserves tremendous credit."