Invited to do their bit for a good cause, this group of NETA students didn’t think twice about playing their part.
Raising funds for Brain Tumour Research, this weekend the team of eight T Level learners will tackle the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge.
Helping to motivate the team is NETA’s quality and compliance manager, Carol, who launched her own fundraising effort, inspired by her niece’s battle with an inoperable brain tumour.
While hoping to raise as much money as possible for the charity, just as important to her, and the NETA team, is raising awareness.
“Since the devastating diagnosis in our family we have learnt that brain tumours kill more children and young people under the age of 40 than any other cancer, but only gets 1% of the national spend on cancer research,” said Carol.
“My niece is a mum of young children. While her tumour is in a place that makes it inoperable there is a brand-new drug which has just passed clinical trials in America, and she has been fortunate enough to be selected to receive this pioneering treatment."
“It just shows what research can do and the impact it can have on people and whole families’ lives.”
Last month Carol, 63, embarked on her own fundraising challenge to walk 200 kilometres in May. Collecting over £1100 in donations and walking a whopping 336 kilometres, she smashed her target.
With Carol leading by example, when the NETA team signed up for the Three Peaks Challenge, raising money for Brain Tumour Research was at the top of the list.
Tackling the peaks of Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, covering 24-miles in a 12-hour period, curriculum manager Rory, who will be among a team of NETA staff to join the students, said: “When it comes to doing something like this, we aim to choose a charity that feels close to home and there is little closer than this.
“The students are now aware of the charity and the important work that they do.”
Preparing for the challenge itself, Rory and the students will be joined by NETA director Sean, storeman Gary, with centre support manager Sian in the support vehicle. Redcar and Cleveland College’s executive principal, Jason, will also be part of the team. Carol will join the crew on the second day, tackling Whernside and Ingleborough.
She said: “I was touched to hear they chose Brain Tumour Research as their chosen charity. It is lovely to think that they want to do this and we are looking forward to it.”
Rory said: “The students were very excited to get involved.” With experience of the hike himself, he added: “It will definitely be a challenge, particularly in the timespan.
“I don’t think they realise the impact it will have on them. A long walk doesn’t sound all that difficult but completing something as challenging as this will give the students a massive sense of achievement, plus knowing that it is all for such an important cause.”
If you would like to sponsor the NETA team visit: Sian Cameron is fundraising for Brain Tumour Research (justgiving.com)
