TAVISTOCK College staff, friends and Year 13 student David Jones took part in the Hope24 ultra-marahon at Newnham Park near Plympton recently.

Starting at midday on Saturday and finishing at midday on Sunday, both teams completed over 250-miles by running non-stop in relay around a five mile trail route over challengingly steep terrain.

Staff included Mr Forster, Mr Hearne, Mr Reed, Mrs Greener, Mrs Thomas, Mr Jackson, Mrs Mabey as well as former staff member Mr Cochrane and friend of the college Mark West.

Many other staff supported the event, in particular Mrs Stephens who was at Team Tavi base camp for the while event managing team logistics, nutrition and individual well being. This was particularly challenging during the night when temperatures dropped to two degrees.

Considering many of the participants had never raced before, and that some had only just taken up running before the Hope24, achieving a near marathon distance each was a real example of how a seemingly unachievable target can be reached by breaking the challenge down into smaller manageable goals.

Sarah Jones principal of Tavistock College said: ‘Everyone who ran did so with a real determination to make a difference to the lives of young people. There was a great sense of achievement in the team, and the support they received from their families, and other staff members made this quite a spectacular event. Well done to them all!’

A spokesperson for the college said: ‘Over £1,150 in sponsorship was raised by Tavistock College for the Hope for Children UK charity and we appeared second on the leader board of fundraisers.

‘With an overwhelming interest in becoming involved in the event, Team Tavi will return to the Hope24 in 2017 with enhanced staff and student teams and we aim to have more students involved in participating and fundraising for this fantastic community charity festival of running. Many congratulations to Year 13 student David Jones and all who ran and many thanks to those who supported.’