Within just a matter of days, De Montfort’s Student Union will be shunning the bluster and blizzards of the last few weeks and instead donning a more tropical vibe.
In light of Raise and Give Week, on the 12th of February the SU will be teaming up with Demon Media to transform the Union into an Island. Sand will be laid and palm trees built to create the setting for what has been described to be ‘the event of the century.’
After the success of last year’s fundraiser #GetMeOnAir, Demon Media have upped the ante in this year’s Demon Island, a challenging game show which will test the endurance of a select few.
The event has been organised by Emily Bunbury, a third year English Language and Media student, and will see two representatives from 10 sports teams and societies stranded on the island and competing for survival.
Bunbury, Head of Live Events at Demon Media, said: “We wanted to do something which would involve loads of people from across the university, to raise money and awareness for the charities.
“We wanted to choose sports teams as well as societies, and get a mix of the bigger teams and also some which are less heard of.”
The 36 hour affair will be faced head on by members of Cocktail Society, DMU Steppers, League of Legends, and Comedy Society as well as six sports teams who will all be competing in challenges to be crowned champion.
Derry Holt, Chairman of League of Legends, said: “With the event being part of RAG week, it’s a fantastic chance for a new society that is still finding their feet to get involved in the charitable operations of the SU.”
The Bear Grylls-esque event has been organised testament to Macmillan Cancer Support and Joe Humphries Memorial Trust; two charities that many groups within the university are hoping to fundraise for.
Where last year #GetMeOnAir managed to scoop up a phenomenal £3000, it is hoped that this figure will be exceeded, via donations, in this two day event.
Sian Dixon, Chairwoman of Cocktail Society, said: “We thought it would be a great laugh and a chance to do something with other societies. And of course, it’s for a great cause!
“We’ve been thinking all year about how we can do some fundraising so when this came up it seemed like a perfect idea.”
The proceedings will be televised via the Demon Media website, hosted by The Demon’s Deputy Editor Chris Franklin and comedian David Murphy, whereby viewers will be given the power to decide on each duos destiny.
Audiences will be given the opportunity to decide which teams are booted out of the proceedings until one lucky pair is awarded the winning title.
Alex Kelly, representing League of Legends, said: “I’m feeling excited to take part in what sounds like an awesome event to raise money for charity!
“And I was voted in by the society to compete as they’d happily watch me for 36 hours…
“I’m looking forward to the tasks that we have to do! I’m quite competitive so I think I’ll have a go at everything!
“I’m not looking forward to being 36 hours away from any device linking me to the outside world! That’s going to suck.
“I like to think I’m quite a funny person so I’ll just try to be entertaining and hope people want to see me for the whole 36 hours…May the best society/sports team win (hopefully us)”
As well as being live streamed via Demon TV, Demon FM will also be covering all the action, which means students need not miss a moment.
Tune into www.demon-media.co.uk/demonisland to keep up with all the action. And don’t forget to get your donations in at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/demonisland. Your support could make a big difference.
Click the link above to meet the contestants!
