College Staff take part in the Jurassic Coast Challenge for MIND

On Saturday 17th May, a team of 18 colleagues took on the Jurassic Coast Ultra Challenge, raising vital funds for Dorset Mind.

The day began early, with the team arriving near Corfe at 6:00 am, ready to take on the demanding route and at 7:00 am, they were on their way, heading out toward Corfe Castle.

The 59km challenge, featuring over 1,700m of elevation, led the team toward Swanage before looping back to Corfe for a well-earned rest stop. There, they took time to refuel, change socks, and prepare for the next stage of the journey.

The route then continued over the Purbeck hills toward Lulworth, offering breathtaking views throughout. At around the 43km mark, the group paused for another brief rest, recharging for the final and most difficult stretch of the course.

The last leg took them over steep hills along the dramatic coastline and past the iconic Durdle Door. Finally, with the finish line in sight, the team made their final descent into Weymouth—spurred on by the promise of medals, massages, and a hot meal waiting at the end.

First across the line for teambpc was Michelle Linz coming in just under 8 hours 30 minutes, with others following over the course of the following hours. 

Learning Manager for Construction, Brittany, took part and said: "Taking on this challenge has been one of the toughest experiences - both physically and mentally - and it will take some time for the true scale of our achievement to sink in. The breathtaking views we encountered after scaling what felt like endless cliffs were unforgettable, but the real highlights went far beyond the scenery.”

One of the most rewarding aspects was being part of a team and getting to know colleagues from across different areas of the college. What began as a core group of 18 quickly became something much bigger, with staff from all corners of the college offering messages of support, encouragement, and advice. It truly became a community effort.

On the day, every single person involved was nothing short of inspiring, each bringing something unique to lift spirits and keep us going. I’m also incredibly proud to have raised vital funds in support of Dorset Mind. As teaching and support staff, we are often on the front line of mental health support for young people. That sense of purpose—and the memories of the day—will stay with us all for a long time.’

The team have raised over £6750 for Dorset Mind and this will help to fund mental health support in Dorset.