Two Derwen College sports instructors have completed a punishing 24-hour spinning session, smashing their £5,000 target to raise a phenomenal £7,300 so far, with donations still coming in.

Sian Thomas and Steve Evans took on the gruelling non-stop challenge to pedal all through the day and night, and say they couldn’t have done it without the continuous support of students, staff and supporters.

With a dozen spin bikes going through the challenge, a constant stream of spinners joined them for the event. All the spinners embarked on their own personal challenge; with some joining for an hour, while others suffered up to 12 hours at a time. Mark Lunt, Katy Thomas-Davies, Sophie Shorey and Teri Ann Burgoyne all took on the challenge of spinning for 12 hours.

The event was a first for the Gobowen-based further education college for 16-25 year olds with special educational needs and disabilities. Money raised from the challenge will be used to purchase bespoke sports equipment for people with learning difficulties and disabilities to use.

Local companies from across Shropshire pledged their support for the challenge including

PAS North West, Tanat Valley Coaches, Zest Ladies, Nyke Energy, Wolfpac Apparel, Stans Superstore, Morrisons Oswestry and Lion Quays Spa.

They were also joined by College supporters including representatives from Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards, Shropshire Freemasons and many more.

Ashley Williams, Centenary Youth Ambassador Project Manager at The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, joined the team for three hours.

He said: “When I heard what Sian and Steve were doing, I felt I had to support them. Derwen College is such an inspirational and ambitious place. I am always in awe of what students and staff achieve here. Yet again, they’ve really surpassed themselves. What a team!”

Derwen College Principal Meryl Green, congratulated the pair at the end of the event, along with fundraiser Anna Evans. She said: “Thank you so much to Sian and Steve and Anna and everyone involved in organising, taking part, supporting and donating to Derwen College Charity.”

Derwen sports instructor Sian Thomas said: “It was definitely a challenge, and the struggle was real, especially in the small hours of the morning, but we all got through it, and the event was hugely successful. We had an amazing support team, and were joined through the day and night by friends, family, colleagues  and students. We live streamed the action, and were spurred on by all the lovely messages from across the country and even abroad. Our supporters were the motivation and the inspiration to keep going.”

Sian and Steve are already talking about pushing themselves even further next year, and looking to recruit even more spinners to join, and raise money, on the way.

The College is also looking forward to its next charity challenge. The Derwen College Sponsored Walk and Fun Run take place on 28 May. This year, the annual fundraiser coincides with the summer fete, to create a fun day of activities, shopping and treats for all the family.

For more information on supporting Derwen College Charity, contact 01691 661234. Or there’s still time to donate to the Spinathon on-line donations page at www.derwen.ac.uk/spinathon