A team of educators from Coleg Cambria is preparing for a challenging charity expedition to raise funds for Dementia UK. The initiative, dubbed the Bigger Boat Challenge—a nod to the iconic 1975 film Jaws—is set to test the mettle of the 12 participants over two demanding days, starting on Friday, October 25.
Led by Karl Jackson, the team from the college’s Bersham Road site in Wrexham will embark on a dual adventure involving kayaking and hiking across the stunning landscapes of North Wales. The challenge will see them kayak around two lakes and traverse a 22-kilometre route through the counties of Gwynedd and Powys, all in support of a crucial cause.
Jackson shared his enthusiasm for the expedition, stating, “Every year we strive to come up with unique, adrenaline-fuelled activities that push our limits while raising as much money as possible for incredible causes. This challenge will see us battle the elements, cover many kilometres on foot, and paddle on two of North Wales’s largest lakes.”
The team is already deep into their training, with Jackson acknowledging the unpredictable weather and rugged terrain they will face. “I’m sure the weather and route will throw up a few surprises!” he added.
This latest expedition is part of a series of adventurous challenges organised by Jackson and his fellow staff members. In recent years, they have completed several noteworthy events, including the Skye is the Limit Challenge, the Welsh Three Peaks, and the Crazy 7 for Stepping Stones North Wales. Notably, they also raised over £1,000 for the Menstrual Health Project by tackling the Cairngorm 4000s, a demanding three-day hike across Scotland’s 4,000ft mountains.
For this charity trek, the Cambria team will launch their kayaks from the tip of Bala Lake, paddling in pairs for over 6 kilometres. Following the kayaking leg, they will undertake a challenging hike to Lake Vyrnwy, which includes a daunting 700-metre ascent through dense woodland and difficult terrain. After a night of camping, the adventurers will return to their kayaks for another round of paddling, this time navigating the chilly waters around the perimeter of Lake Vyrnwy under potentially harsh weather conditions. This leg is expected to take approximately three hours.
Jackson expressed gratitude for the support the team has consistently received for their charity initiatives. “It’s going to be cold, wet, incredibly windy, and risky at times, but we will be well prepared and ready to take on whatever comes our way,” he said. “We are doing this for Dementia UK, an incredible organisation that does so much good for people all over the country.”
Dementia UK provides specialist dementia nursing through its ‘Admiral Nurses,’ who offer free advice, support, and understanding to families affected by dementia. Joanna Sullivan, Head of Community Fundraising, Events and Innovation at Dementia UK, praised the Coleg Cambria team for their commitment, stating, “Thanks to the hard work of fundraisers like Karl and his colleagues, more families than ever will be able to access the life-changing support offered by our Admiral Nurses.”
As the expedition approaches, the team’s determination and passion for supporting families affected by dementia remain unwavering.