Team 1909 is back! This past weekend, a brave team of staff from Loughborough College undertook the gruelling Welsh 3000 challenge, raising an impressive £1,600 for Leicester Hospitals Charity.
The group was inspired by Curriculum Manager for Catering and Hospitality, Darren Creed, who underwent a life-changing kidney transplant last year.
The Welsh 3000 challenge, one of the most demanding mountain hikes in the UK, requires participants to summit all 15 of Wales’s fierce peaks over 3,000 feet within a single day. The Loughborough College team, made up of staff members Bernadette Barker, Dannii Donovan, Corinne Gardner, Dimitrios Tsokanos and Ellie Whelan, alongside Darren’s son Baylea Creed and friend Warren Miller, braved the rugged terrain and unpredictable weather to complete the challenge, all in support of a cause close to their hearts.
Darren’s story was the driving force behind the fundraiser. Last year, he received a kidney transplant from wife Donna, in a remarkable one-in-a-million match. This year, the Leicester Hospitals Charity is marking 50 years of transplant success at University Hospital Leicester (UHL), making the challenge and the fundraising effort even more significant for the team.
“It was an honour to be part of this cause, supporting Darren and the Leicester Hospitals Charity. Even though it was the longest and most challenging hike of my life, it was also the most rewarding one.” Said Dimitrios. “I want to thank the College community, as well as Darren and Bernadette who were on hand to support us with everything we needed throughout the challenge.”
The funds raised will go towards supporting transplant services at Leicester Hospitals Charity, which has been at the forefront of life-saving organ transplantation for half a century. Team 1909 was proud to contribute to the charity’s efforts in ensuring continued success in these critical surgeries.
The weekend's effort highlights the spirit of teamwork and resilience at Loughborough College, as well as the deep gratitude for the care that Leicester Hospitals provide to patients.
Team 1909 is the Loughborough College branch of fundraising and community outreach, with all efforts making a vital contribution to the nationwide Good for Me, Good for FE campaign, which encourages charitable and voluntary opportunities in further education institutions.
Last year, both Team 1909 and Darren received commendations at the inaugural Good for Me, Good for FE Awards, for Fundraiser of the Year and Special Recognition respectively.
Donate to Team 1909 on JustGiving.