Posted: 15/04/16
The mountains are calling intrepid students
Plans for an expedition to the summit of Ben Nevis will start in earnest this weekend for students at West Nottinghamshire College.
Students are getting their camping gear packed ready for this weekend
A group of eight learners on the BTEC Diploma in Public Services and three members of staff, will begin their outdoors training this Saturday (16 April) during a camping expedition to the Peak District.
The challenge will involve a two-day trek starting at Lady Bower Reservoir, venturing up Win Hill and Kinder Scout. Students will camp out, bringing their own food and camping equipment with them. Day two will see them walking to Mam Tor and Lose Hill in the Derbyshire Peaks.
The weekend is the starting point of them getting ready for their expedition to Ben Nevis in Scotland this summer. Fitness levels and preparation skills for enduring the mountain climate will be tested at a lower altitude in the Peaks.
For the main four-day expedition to Ben Nevis in June, the students will be accompanied by staff members and a member of Irwin Mitchell Solicitors, who have kindly sponsored the challenge. The party will travel on day one and will ascend Ben Nevis on day two.
An overnight camp will require lots of preparation by the party and they must have the ability to be self-sufficient and use ration packs for food and to pack their camping equipment wisely and efficiently.
In the lead up to the summer venture, students will continue to work on their fitness levels as well as get involved in fundraising initiatives to raise cash to further boost the £1,000 sponsorship by Irwin Mitchell.
The company has backed a number of charities and companies over the last few years and is keen to support West Nottinghamshire College’s mission to reach the Scottish summit.
Louisa Chambers, Sheffield-based solicitor at leading UK legal firm Irwin Mitchell, said: “Irwin Mitchell is really excited to be involved in the Ben Nevis Challenge with the students at West Nottinghamshire College. The experience gained from such an expedition will no-doubt be excellent preparation for a demanding career in public services.
“In keeping with our commitment to support charities through our Don’t Quit Do It campaign, supporting disability sport, those undertaking the challenge will be fundraising for Walking With The Wounded, a phenomenal charity which provides vulnerable veterans of the Armed Forces with independence through employment.
“It’s fair to say it will be a very different experience to my usual day in the office, but I am training in earnest to ensure I can keep up the pace!”
Jack Stout, 18, is one of the students gearing up for the challenge. He said: “I was really pleased to be chosen for the Ben Nevis challenge. We all had to perform a ‘bleep test’ to prove our fitness levels as that’s a prime consideration for going on an expedition.
“My attendance and punctuality were also marked as good criteria for being chosen and I can’t wait. This will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience and this weekend will be an exciting bit of preparation for the bigger event.”
