Students with their sights set on a once in a lifetime trip to Miami next month have stepped up their fundraising efforts.
Sport, public services and policing students from Redcar and Cleveland College put their best foot forward in a 12-mile sponsored walk from the college to Saltburn Pier and back.
“The students all showed a high level of teamwork and enthusiasm on the day,” said Kelly Coupland, the college’s curriculum manager for construction and service industries.
“The weather stayed dry however, it was cold and windy, so their resilience and determination really did shine through.”
Their aim is to raise the remaining funds needed to cover the cost of the excursion, backed by the Turing Scheme, a government programme that helps part fund study and work placements around the world.
In Miami for two weeks, the students will attend Miami Dade College, where they will take part in a host of sporting activities alongside their US counterparts and fellow Turing-backed students from across the UK.
Public services student John said: “We have been trying to think of as many ideas as we can to raise the money.”
With a whopping target of £10,500 the group were given a flying start with a £6,500 boost from the Sir William Turner Foundation, a charity that offers annual grants to colleges and schools in Redcar to support activities that fall outside the curriculum.
The team has been backed by a £500 donation from the W2 Football Academy, a youth academy offering coaching to children.
Skelton-based Tees Components Ltd contributed £100, and Rouge Teamwear offered a discount on their kit.
John, 17, from Redcar, said: “When we are over there, we want to give a good image of the Teesside area and hopefully any organisations that help us will be a big part of that.”
The students’ own direct fundraising efforts, through the sponsored walk, organising blind cards and selling hot drinks to spectators on the sidelines of the college’s football pitch over the winter months, have brought in £1325, so far.
Curriculum manager Kelly said: “The efforts they have gone to so far to raise the funds needed is remarkable, we are all so proud of their commitment and contributions.”
Sport student Sebastian said: “I never expected to get a chance like this. I have never been abroad or even on a plane before so, for me, and all of us, this really will be an incredible experience.”
