THE moving story of a mother’s fight against a brain tumour motivated students to battle the elements and walk in the footsteps of centurions.
Uniformed public services students at Darlington College will now get the opportunity to name a Guide Dogs for the Blind puppy after their efforts raised more than £1,500 for the charity.
Level 3 Btec extended diploma students spent two days overcoming gale force winds and driving rain as they completed a 37-mile expedition along Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland.
They were spurred on in their efforts after hearing about a young mother who lost her sight when a brain tumour affected her optic nerve.
Darlington College tutor Gary Paxton said: “My colleague Emma Clegg asked Marion Boyden, of Guide Dogs for the Blind, to come in to talk to the students and she mentioned the lady’s plight.
“They were very moved to hear about her and the work of the charity so we decided to dedicate our annual sponsored walk to them.
“The weather was absolutely dreadful and the students did brilliantly well, particularly as they have only been with us 10 weeks. Visual impairment is a subject close to our hearts as many soldiers end up with them serving their country.”
So far students’ efforts have raised £1,542, which means they can now name the puppy they have helped sponsor.
“Hadrian’s Wall is such an amazing place; wild, beautiful, tranquil and full of wildlife,” said Gary. “So the students have decided to call the puppy Hadrian.”
For more information on opportunities at Darlington College visit www.darlington.ac.uk.
