King's Lynn college staff complete 3,800 miles for MIND

Cycling, running and walking more than 3,800 miles during lockdown, staff at Lynn's College of West Anglia have raised hundreds for a mental health charity.

More than tripling their original challenge of completing a 1,000 mile virtual route through Western Europe, the College of West Anglia team raised over £225 for Norfolk and Waveney MIND.

Scott Leadley, programme manager for Sport & Public Protective Services and member of the Employee Wellbeing Committee, said: “We thought it would be a really good way to challenge staff over this period to stay active and promote mental and physical well-being to beat the winter blues, while raising money for a great cause.”

The fundraisers were challenged to complete a virtual route which would span six countries before returning them home to Lynn, but in just under two months they more than tripled the number of miles to 3,813.

Prizes were awarded to those at the top of the leader board, with donations from Priors of West Lynn.

Phil Thompson, CWA construction and plumbing lecturer, came top of the leader board, completing 671 miles during the course of two months. He said: “Running, staying healthy and fitness are very important to me. I can’t wait to get back to Wales, the Peaks or Lake district again to run in the hills.

"Open spaces are so good for the mind and body, it gives you a great feeling of wellbeing, West Norfolk Mind is all about that and helping people with Mental health issues and in supporting them for their futures.”

Sarah Cox ran a total of 367 miles during the challenge. She said: “Last year, I joined Debbie's Saturday morning Slimming World group and to date have lost 11 stone 5 pounds, exercise has been a big part of my journey.

"I started walking in Sept trying to hit 10,000 steps a few times a week then downloaded the couch to 5km in Oct, I have built the running up and now run longer distances three times a week. I also go to gym three times a week."

She added: "Exercise for me has been really important as it has helped my mental health and gives me some time to myself. It has also helped me to u I feel like I’m doing something for myself. I have much more energy and my outlook has totally changed.”

If you would like to donate, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/cwa1000