101 Miles & Smiles!
Published on 12.05.2021We would like to say a huge THANK YOU to everyone who supported our fundraising project – The 101 Challenge.
Commencing on 19th January and ending on 30th April, the challenge was for our students and staff to walk 101 miles each over 101 days and raise money for the NHS. The project also aimed to improve morale amongst College members and to help everyone keep fit and healthy during the national lockdown.
As a College, we achieved the following:
- £1,032 was raised for NHS Charities Together
- 76 students & staff participated individually, and the SEND & Transition department walking in groups
- College members walked a total of 7818.856 miles collectively
“Doing nearly 345 miles, it’s been a huge achievement of my life. I have been suffering with mental health but this challenge has been a huge help to try and fight through tough times.” Nicholas, Construction student
Many comments about the benefits of walking were submitted to us with students commenting on how it aided their wellbeing. All involved thoroughly enjoyed the great buzz of energy which the project delivered.
The 101 Challenge has taught me a few things:
- Anything is possible if you put your mind to it.
- My mental health has improved a lot by just going out for a walk. By going out for walks and listening to music at the same time, I managed to put some difficult situations to the back of my mind.
- My attitude in general has improved a lot also! I started this challenge to improve my fitness levels and to help raise money for the NHS during these complex times. I never thought I would be able to get this far and walk all these miles. I didn’t think of the miles at all. In fact, I never thought I would be going on various news articles and radio interviews about the challenge. I just plugged my headphones in and off I went.
Although the 101 challenge has ended, I will for sure still be going out for walks and jogs. This challenge has been a massive part of my life. In the past, I have been told that I am a failure and I won’t be able to get anywhere in my life. This fortunately proves people wrong! This is proof that anything is possible if you put your mind to it and to never give up!
– Sam I., Sport student
Inspired by The 101 Challenge, we will be starting a walking club for College members to continue this positive initiative.
