Teddy, the trainee therapy dog, is the latest walker to sign up to Derwen College’s Easter Challenge.
Teddy, who’s day job is to provide therapy and support for students at Derwen College, has decided to help raise funds for the college too.
Students at the college are delighted the flat coated retriever is leading the way as a mascot for the college’s newest fundraising event – The Derwen Easter Challenge, a 2,000-mile virtual trek around the UK.
This event is open to anyone who fancies a challenge over the Easter holidays, and aims to raise important funds to help support students with special educational needs and disability with their independent life skills and work skills.
The Derwen Easter Challenge takes place from Monday, 29th March to Sunday, 11th April, during the Easter holidays. Participants can choose their own routes around their home towns, and can walk, run, cycle, swim, use a wheelchair or even bunny hop, as many miles as they can manage. Every mile will help the Derwen team complete the 2,000-mile challenge.
Derwen College Fundraiser Anna Evans said: “Teddy will be enjoying contributing many miles to this fundraising challenge. We are really hopeful that other see his efforts and join us too. This is something that the whole family can do, including the dog!”
The college is excited to see that students, former students, families, local supporters, and – of course – Teddy are already signed up. But they are urging more eager walkers to join to help them smash the 2000-mile target and raise as much money as possible.
The Derwen Easter Challenge tour of Britain, will virtually visit the regions and towns the college’s students, past and present, all hail from. Starting from Derwen College, the route reaches as far as Cornwall and Edinburgh before winding its way back to Derwen College.
With milestones dotted along the route, participants will receive messages from students and ex-students welcoming them to their home county. Some messages will also explain how funds raised during the challenge will help students gain important work and independent living skills.
Every person who signs up will receive a medal and goodie bag, with the option of also buying an exclusive Easter Challenge t-shirt.
The event replaces the long-running annual Derwen College sponsored walk which has had to be cancelled for the second time in two years.
Fundraiser Anna Evans continued:
“It’s fabulous to have gorgeous Teddy on board and to hear from students past and present who want to support us. However, we still need more people. We are aiming to sign up 200 people to make sure we hit our target and raise as much money as possible.
“This event is more inclusive than ever, allowing people to part from their home, choosing their own route, pace and mode of travel. Participants can choose to run or walk 10k in one go or they can add to the journey a little at a time. They also have the choice to run, walk, cycle, swim or use a wheelchair. So come on, follow Teddy’s lead and sign up today!”
For more details and to register please visit https://www.derwen.ac.uk/event/sponsored-walk/
Pictured: Teddy and some of the students who have worked with him during his training sessions.
