STUDENTS proved they were at peak performance after tackling a gruelling hike for charity.
Second year extended diploma Uniformed Public Services students from Darlington College completed the tough Lakeland Three Peaks Challenge.
In three consecutive days, they tackled the summits of Scafell Pike, The Old Man of Coniston and Blencathra.
Their efforts raised an impressive £800 towards the Tomosynthesis Appeal, a charity working towards the early detection of breast cancer.
Tutor Gary Paxton had high praise for his students. He said: “Climbing any one of these peaks is a tough enough challenge, completing all three in consecutive days is a superb act of endurance, determination and physical and mental strength.
“I was delighted to see how the students pulled together as a team, encouraging each other at crucial times when energy levels were flagging. They all showed great spirit, humour and resilience.”
The group was part of a team of 16 who staged the activity to help the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead raise £250,000 towards the Tomosynthesis project.
Gary’s partner Mary has had breast cancer and as a result he and his team cycled from Edinburgh to Durham. Staff and students at college have completed a number of fund raising activities and the Uniformed and Public Services students decided to devote the volunteering element of their course to the project raising just short of £3,000.
Anyone interested in opportunities at Darlington College should visit www.darlington.ac.uk.
