24-hour Spinathon – we did it!

Derwen College Spinathon saw more than 100 students, staff and supporters saddle up on a spin bike through the day and night, covering thousands of miles, and raising more than £5,500 so far!

The Spinathon started on Friday 2 February at 10am, and reached the finish line at 10am on Saturday 3 February. It was an outstanding team effort which saw phenomenal personal achievements, with everyone working together to raise funds to provide outdoor fitness opportunities and facilities for students and clients with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

The event was opened with a grand countdown led by Chair of Governors K Kimber and High Sheriff of Shropshire Mandy Thorn MBE. Followed by performances from Performing Arts students.

Sports Coordinator Steve Evans and Health & Social Care Trainer Kelli Jones both pedalled for the full 24 hours, even taking part in full-on themed spin classes along the way. These classes were hosted by sports instructor Sian Thomas, who is a qualified spin instructor.

There were exceptional efforts from staff along the way. One staff member who pedalled at super speed for 13 hours, clocked up a remarkable 360-mile distance. This would have taken her from Gobowen to the London birthplace of our founder Dame Agnes Hunt, and back again!

Oswestry artist Doodle Deb decorated the large Reception area windows on Friday, creating a fabulous timeline of the journey including pictures of where spinners would prefer to be! Live music was provided by The Recursives, singer (and Derwen College governor) Mark Lord and Jonathan Roberts.

Moreton Hall School supported with their own spin event, with teachers delivering classes and attending meetings from spin bikes. Moreton Hall teacher Abi Plowden, who is a governor at Derwen College, and Moreton Hall Catering Manager Stephen Conroy, who is an industry champion at College, also took part in spin sessions at Derwen College, along with students Orla and Sophie who enjoy work placements at the school.

There were some exceptional student efforts. Four students from Down Syndrome Swimming GB – Dylan, Dylan, Lizzie and Helen – swapped pool for pedals to spin for a total of 16 hours. The have raised more than £800 between them.

Several staff teams also worked together, including the ‘Nurture’ and ‘Therapies’ team who kept a bike going through the night, along with impressive stints from members of our ‘Learning for Life’ and ‘Hospitality’ teams.

A team of staff and clients (long-term residents with special educational needs and disabilities) from Derwen Care also took part.

Money raised will be used to support people with SEND (both students and long-term residential clients) to enjoy extra experiences and opportunities to enhance their wellbeing.

Derwen Charity Fundraiser and Events Coordinator Megan Charman thanked everyone who was part of this grand team effort.

She said: “Thank you to everyone who took part in so many different ways – whether spinning, entertaining, supporting or sponsoring. Thanks to everyone’s efforts, we have raised more than £5,500 with more money still set to come in.”

“It was a heartwarming event that I was proud to be a part of. Seeing everyone come together to cheer each other on was amazing. I’m so grateful for all those who came to entertain and support,” she added.

There is still time to support the Spinathon by donating at https://derwen.me/DerwenSpinathon

Derwen Charity is now looking ahead to the 10km Challenge on 23 March, and Derwen Fete Weekend on 25–26 May. Please put the dates in your diary.

Back (left to right) Doodle Deb, Tia Hughes, Kelli Jones, Principal Meryl Green, Steve Evans, Meg Charman, Ellie Southward, K Kimber. Front Olyvia Evans and Eluned Watson.