Students from the Public and Protective Services department at the College of West Anglia took on a remarkable endurance challenge over the weekend, as part of their ongoing effort to collectively cover 155km – the distance from CWA’s King’s Lynn campus to the Ypres battlefield. The challenge forms part of the department’s wider fundraising campaign in support of Help for Heroes, honouring those who served while raising funds to support veterans today.
At lunchtime on Saturday 8 November, the group travelled to the Yorkshire Dales to take on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge- made significantly tougher by completing it overnight. After arriving in Carnfoth at 17:10, the team began the route at 17:50 from the Ribblehead Viaduct, tackling ascents of Whernside, Ingleborough and Pen-y-Ghent under dark skies and tough conditions.
The team consisted of eight students from the Level Three Extended Diploma for Entry to the Uniformed Services, along with two staff members. Despite the challenges of navigating the terrain in darkness, the group successfully completed the route in 14 hours and 30 minutes.
The group also acknowledged the vital support team working alongside them, with particular thanks to Mr Henderson for his planning and assistance throughout the journey.
Eris Simpson Fuller, a student who undertook the challenge said ‘I’ve come out of the 3 Peak overnight challenge feeling stronger than ever. There were definitely moments where I thought I couldn’t keep going, but my inspirational teammates pushed me through. I’m so happy I can say that I have completed it and so proud of myself and my friends. Pushing my body to its limits to finish this challenge has opened my eyes to tackling even bigger, crazier adventures. Thank you, Rob and Caroline, for making this happen and keeping me going when things got very, VERY tough! I’m so grateful for everyone who sponsored me. This experience is one that I will never forget.’
Public and Protective Services lecture, Rob Cooke praised the determination and teamwork shown: ‘Everybody worked extremely hard during the event. What would normally be a straightforward challenge in daylight presented its own problems by night; anyone who has walked that route will understand. The students performed admirably and I’m extremely proud of every one of them. They were fantastic.’
This challenge marks another milestone in the department's ongoing journey to reach the symbolic 155km total. More fundraising activities are planned in the coming month, including a trek of Peddars Way and a 42km static bike ride.