University News Last updated 08 December 2010
A Birmingham City University student is helping to raise funds for Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
21 year-old Sophie Court from Edgbaston won a competition set by the hospital which saw her design a piece of jewellery that is now being sold through the hospital’s online shop.
Sophie’s winning design was for an eye-catching pendant featuring a sleek silver heart with the appeal’s balloon motif on the front and the hospital’s logo on the reverse.
Along with other students on the Jewellery and Silversmithing degree at the School of Jewellery at Birmingham City University, Sophie visited the wards to meet young patients and get fresh ideas for designs that would best reflect Birmingham Children’s Hospital’s status as a world-class hospital.
Sophie said: “I was really thrilled when I heard my pendant had been chosen to raise funds for the hospital. It was one of three ‘live’ projects that we all undertook in the final term of our first year and this one gave us the chance to work with outside organisations and come up with a really striking design in the space of just a couple of weeks, which was quite a big ask.”
Zoe Robertson, Course Director, added: “This was a really exciting opportunity that gave our students the chance to gain a unique insight into how the organisation works, respond to a live design brief, and increase their awareness and understanding of future employment. In return, our students offered fresh and exciting design talent and great energy and enthusiasm for the project. We are all thrilled that Sophie’s winning design is now being launched and will help raise funds for the hospital.”
Sophie’s pendant is already proving to be a real hit. Priced at £29.99, it is available through Red Balloon Trading, at www.redballoontrading.co.uk