MORE  than £5,000 has been raised to enhance  South Dartmoor Community College’s  outdoor education programme. 

A thirteen-strong team , a mix of parents of SDCC students, one staff member and others from the wider local community,  tackled the terrain of Dartmoor for the Ten Tors challenge which replicated the routes taken by youngsters two weeks earlier. 

The objective of this fundraising initiative was to break down financial barriers for students, ensuring their participation in beneficial programs like the Duke of Edinburgh and Ten Tors challenges. Additionally, the funds will facilitate all students access to expedition kit and training programs, essential  for all outdoor endeavours.

Their routes followed took in Fernworthy Reservoir, several well known tors on the North Moor, then to Postbridge and back up the west side of the moor, taking in such delights as Cosdon Hill, Watern Tor and Great Kneeset.

‘Despite facing adverse weather conditions, our trekkers completed the same 35 and 45 mile routes that students at SDCC undertook’ said Katie Upton, outdoor education leader at the college. 

‘The navigation skills they had leaned over the previous six months were tested, as was their resilience and team spirit as both routes are very challenging. But shared experience strengthened their determination to help provide students with similar opportunities.’

Throughout their journey, a dedicated team of volunteers manned checkpoints, ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants.

Both teams crossed the finish line within minutes of each other to cheers from supportive staff, family and friends. 

All of the Trekkers received a medal and a certificate from  Katie Upton, who thanked them for their tremendous efforts. As well as thanking the Trekkers, huge thanks were given to the sponsors of the Trek challenge – Rafikis, Dartmoor Butcher and Tuckers Country Store, who all helped to make the event a success.

The Trekkers all felt that experiencing what the actual Ten Tors students go through on the Challenge made them more determined to support these opportunities for students at SDCC. 

 For those who wish to contribute further to this cause, donations are still being accepted through the campaign's JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/tentorstrek2024.