Dundee and Angus College Staff Step Up for Thrive Project

Staff from Dundee & Angus College have raised more than £1,300 for the Thrive Project by completing two major fundraising challenges. 

The Challenges collectively named ‘Step Up for Thrive’ included a gruelling Three Peaks Challenge undertaken by the Sports and Fitness Team and a Three Campus Challenge completed by staff members from across the College.

The Thrive Project, known as 'Thrive with D&A,' is a collaborative effort between Dundee & Angus College and its Students' Association. This initiative aims to provide positive support and opportunities for students and staff during the ongoing cost of living crisis.

The dedicated team of seven from the Sports & Fitness Department embarked on the Three Peaks Challenge with the aim of climbing the highest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales within 24 hours. They were helped by two fellow team members as logistical support and drivers.

The journey started at Ben Nevis on Tuesday 4th June at 5.02 pm and the team successfully completed the climb in 4 hours and 50 minutes.  Traffic delays caused a very late start for the Scafell Pike climb in the Lake District which began at 6.00 am on Wednesday 5th June, taking just 3 hours and 10 minutes to complete.  Following further delays, the final climb, Snowdon in Wales, began at 2.30 pm and concluded at 6.20 pm. 

In total the team climbed for 11 hours and 50 minutes, an hour faster than the recommended time.  However, significant traffic delays resulted in a total travel time of 13.5 hours, preventing the team from officially completing the challenge within 24 hours.

Sarah Ramminger, Head of Curriculum & Quality, said: “We climbed for 11 hours and 50 minutes, which is an hour faster than recommended, so we were trying to make up the time lost in traffic. Unfortunately, we spent 13 and a half hours traveling due to huge delays and the bus being limited to 60 mph. We were delighted to be able to reach the summit of all three peaks within the 24 hour timeframe but frustrated that the travel cost us so much time. I am extremely proud of everyone who took part in the challenge given the unprecedented weather conditions for this time of year. Our efforts have been rewarded through the generous sponsorship for the Thrive project which supports our college community."

Simultaneously, a small team of staff from across Dundee & Angus College took on the Three Campus Challenge, walking 18 miles from the Kingsway Campus to the Gardyne Campus and finishing at the Arbroath Campus.  The team left the Kingsway Campus at 9 am and arrived at the Arbroath Campus at 3.15 pm.  Their effort was in support of the Sports & Fitness Department’s Three Peaks Challenge.

Lauren Simpson, Active Campus Co-ordinator, said: "It was a privilege as the Active Campus Co-ordinator to lead a team of D&A staff on the Three Campus Challenge, walking from our Kingsway Campus to Gardyne and finishing in Arbroath, covering 18 miles in support of our Sports Department who took on the Three peak challenge to raise money for our Thrive Campaign. Many staff are busy finishing up work for the end of the academic year, and this was the perfect opportunity to remind them to take time for their own wellbeing. It was also great to meet staff across the college who we do not always get the chance to know. I am looking forward to more events like this!"

The ‘Step Up for Thrive’ challenges have raised more than £1,300, surpassing the initial target of £1,000, with more donations expected to come in.