STUDENTS from De Montfort University have raised more than £1,000 for charity by being marooned on an island.

Ten couples undertook a series of challenges to support the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust and Macmillan Cancer Support.

he event was staged in the students' union from 9am on Thursday until 9pm on Friday.

The challenges undertaken by the islanders were streamed live on the university's Demon TV at www.demon-media.co.uk/demonisland.

Demon TV station manager Hannah Gorzelak and one of the event organisers said: "We wanted to raise money for JHMT which was set up in memory of Leicestershire teenager Joe Humphries, who collapsed and died while out jogging.

"We're hoping that by raising money we can help continue this great work and also raise awareness."

They had hoped to reach £1,000 but expect to have raised much more when the final total is known.

Steve Humphries, chair of the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust, said: "It means so much to us that DMU students have decided to support JHMT.

"The money they raise will be used for our vital work to reduce the shocking statistic that 12 young people aged 12-35 die each week in Britain from undiagnosed heart problems."

Source: Information & Photo: Leicester Mercury