I have spent the best years of my life at Craven College firstly as a full-time student for 4 years and then progressing to working full-time for the college for almost 35 years.

College has supported me through some very happy times as well as some personal and work challenges.

To thank them and to celebrate 200 years of an amazing college I am challenging myself to swim 200 lengths of Craven Leisure Centre over 2 days week commencing 23 June to raise money for student funds.

I have recently realised the importance of the need to look after my own wellbeing and mental health and therefore to help the young lives in college, the funds I raise will go towards developing the College Sensory Garden at the Aireville Campus. The Foundation Learning students in their horticultural sessions and our Gardening Club have been replanting and they would like to further enhance the space with a solar powered water feature on which we will commemorate the college’s 200-year anniversary. This will attract wildlife and create a wonderful wellbeing space. They also need storage for gardening tools and materials.

The garden is an inclusive space which is accessible for all students and will benefit the user’s wellbeing, physical and mental health. It will be a welcoming area that allows all students and staff to celebrate nature and enjoy its calming mindfulness.

Thank you for supporting me and making a difference to the students at Craven College.