To commemorate the 75th VE Day and the upcoming 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, Air and Defence College students at the College of West Anglia (CWA) participated in the RAF-led Hurricane 80k Challenge.
The RAF have challenged people up and down the country to run or cycle 80 kilometres within an 80-day period, but the students decided to try to complete the challenge in just eight hours on VE Day.
During an eight-hour period, students, staff and family members cycled and ran 134 km, well exceeding their target by over 36 kilometres.
Many Air and Defence college students will go on to join the RAF after they leave CWA and so the challenge, and the importance of VE Day, particularly resonated with them.
Student, Nathan Bird, said: “I felt proud taking part in the challenge as it honoured the men and women that served for our country.”
Student, Charlie Cooper, said: “My contribution to the 80k challenge made me feel proud as I’m able to give back something to those who served for us in the war. It made me think through things and put them all into perspective.”
Student, Beth Jones, said: “I think the 80k Challenge encouraged us all to go outside, which is essential for keeping us healthy and good for our wellbeing at the moment.”
Beth Jones completed 5.2km for the challenge
Jack Fysh ran and cycled 8k for the challenge
Joe Morley cycled over 15k
Jason Partridge cycled over 11k
Air & Defence College students who participated in the challenge are; Jack Watts, Beth Jones, Cameron Taylor, Jack Fysh, Charlie Cooper, Jason Partridge, Jack Blaxill, Adam Sanderson, Joe Morley, Nathan Bird, Tom Hughes and Cameron Witton.
Jo Evans, Air & Defence lecturer at the college, said:
“I thought the challenge would be a great way for students and their families to keep fit and stay engaged during lockdown and raise money for a worthy cause.”
Lecturer and organiser, Jo Evans, completed over 5k for the challenge
Jo added:
"I am so proud of them all! They are such good students doing everything I ask of them and they are always willing to rise to a challenge.”
All monies raised will be donated to the RAF Museum; a charity that relies on donations from the general public to allow them to continue telling the history of the RAF and helping to keep alive the memories of fallen servicemen and women.
If you would like to donate this this fantastic cause, please visit:
https://www.justgiving.com/royalairforcemuseum
Students and staff also joined the rest of the UK in a moment of reflection and remembrance at 11am on Friday 8th May for a two minutes’ silence.
Foundation students at the college commemorated the day by creating arts and crafts, including soldier silhouettes, learning about the history of VE Day and about some of the lives of the people who lived through it.
One student, Ben Daniels, created and cooked a VE Day menu and celebrated the day with a party with his family, complete with bunting, flags and food, including victory scotch eggs, cakes and tea.
Student Owen Welham also celebrated VE Day with his family.
