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18 Feb 2011 08:37:48
Intrepid skiers from the University of Bedfordshire are off to Switzerland for a marathon fundraising effort in March.
The party of seven are competing in the Engadin Ski Marathon, which is expected to take seven hours to complete the 42k (26.2 miles), near the Swiss resort of St Moritz.
Led by senior lecturer Danny Golding, the others are a trio of Year Three PE QTS students – Joe O’Connor, Ali Tucker and Ben Vine – along with two Adventure Recreation second years, Chris Stocking and Andrew Shepstone, and graduate Louisa Boldon who is now a visiting lecturer as well as teaching at Sharnbrook Upper School.
The magnificent seven are spending a long weekend in Engadin with the ski marathon itself taking place on Sunday, 13 March. They are hoping to raise a minimum of £2,000 for Equal Adventure, a charity which develops adventure initiatives for participants with disabilities and a world authority in this field.
Danny said: “This is recognised as one of the most challenging Nordic races and we are expecting to finish within or up to seven hours. We will start together and we will finish where we finish. If it’s based on fitness, I will come in last!
“There’s very little Nordic skiing experience in our group and we’ve trained in Bedford Park under the cover of darkness. We are also using cross-trainers to prepare, as well as organising some roller skiing sessions in Hyde Park in London.”
Part of the inspiration was Ali and Joe’s cycle ride from London to Paris last summer to raise money for Help for Heroes.
Danny added: “All the students are funding themselves which covers their flights, accommodation and equipment, plus the race entry.
“They are also doing fundraising events at local schools during their work placements this term. This is adding to their learning with things like improving their entrepreneurial, project management and networking skills and all this will hopefully benefit them in the future.”
Fundraising events before Christmas, which included a Santa Run and a cake sale, raised more than £600 for Equal Adventure. Second year Adventure Recreation student Gary King raised the highest amount – more than £200.
Donations can be made via www.justgiving.co.uk/uobskimarathon
For more information on Equal Adventure, visit www.equaladventure.org
The top photo shows a ‘mysterious stranger’ with five of the skiers, left to right: Ali Tucker, lecturer Danny Golding, Louisa Boldon, Ben Vine and Joe O’Connor
Latest news» 2011» February» Magnificent seven on the slopes
