Protective Services students take on Coast-to-Coast Challenge

Protective Services students at Burton and South Derbyshire College (BSDC) are taking on the Coast-to-Coast Challenge between 5th-8th May, cycling from one side of England to the other to raise money for Cancer Research UK and the Royal British Legion.

A group of 25 students are stepping away from their day-to-day routines to set off from St. Bees on the Cumbrian coast and will be cycling 204km in three days on the popular coast to coast route.

As part of their course, Protective Services students have organised their own expedition, dividing the route into three daily sections of over 50km each. After completing each day, the team will set up camp overnight, finishing their journey in Sunderland on the Northeast Coast.

The challenge will put the students’ organisational, navigational and physical fitness skills to the test. To prepare, the group has been honing their cycling abilities at Rosliston Forestry Centre and working together to build the resilience needed for the expedition.

Burton and South Derbyshire College’s Public Services courses give students the skills and qualities needed to be an effective member of the protective services, including the police, fire, ambulance, prison and military services. The College’s partnerships with local services ensure students are gaining real world experience that will be required for success in their future careers.

Public Services Lecturer, Rob Stevenson said: “This year’s Coast to Coast Challenge gives learners the chance to challenge themselves both physically and mentally, while raising money for two charities that are close to our hearts. Beyond the challenge itself, the experience encourages resilience, empathy and teamwork, helping learners to grow in confidence while supporting causes that make a real difference.”

To sponsor the BSDC Coast to Coast Challenge, please go to: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/robert-stevenson-3