Best foot forward for college

Students, parents and staff joined members of the local community for the walk that started and finished at the college for people with learning disabilities in Gobowen.

They completed a 10 kilometre or six kilometre route around Gobowen and the surrounding countryside and finished off a well-deserved cup of home-made vegetable soup and fresh bread back at the college.

Olive Morris, 74, completed her 50th walk for the college raising more than £400. She was presented with a certificate marking her achievement by Derwen College Principal Meryl Green and Chief Executive Ruth Thomas.

The family of student Carter Gough raised £2,500 through support from friends and family. The family were also given an extra surprise when Carter’s aunty and cousin greeted them as secret marshals towards the end of the 10 kilometre route.

Jo-Anna Grove and her son Oliver were taken to the marshal points once the walk had started so that they could surprise Carter.

As well as the longer routes, walkers also had the option of a one kilometre challenge around Derwen College’s Woodland Walk to ensure as many students as possible could join in.

Helen Edwards, Projects and Partnerships Co-ordinatoer at the cllege said: “It was such a lovely day with a lot of support from local people as well as college students and their families. We are very grateful to everyone who came along and raised large amounts of money through sponsorship. I hope there weren’t too many blisters at the end of the day!’

“Special thanks to Olive Morris for walking her 50th sponsored walk with us and for single-handedly raising thousands of pounds over the past five decades.”

Money raised from the walk will go towards Derwen College’s 2018 £60,000 fundraising target. Funds will go towards a new therapy and fitness centre, including a hydrotherapy pool.

The College’s next major event is the summer fair on May 31.