Roxanne aims to conquer Three Peaks challenge – and her vertigo!

3:13pm Friday 7th March 2008

Comments (2)   Have your say »

A STUDENT will put her fear of heights to one side when she takes part in the Three Peaks Challenge.

Roxanne King will be part of a group of uniformed public services students who will be tackling Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowden in a single day later this month.

And while the 17-year-old is the only girl in the group, she is also the only one who suffers from vertigo.

Uniformed services lecturer Paul Holland, though, is confident the team will help Roxanne combat her fear of heights.

The first and second year BTEC National Diploma students take part in the challenge next weekend, and Mr Holland said: "It's a complete team effort. They are a confident bunch and are well prepared considering the training they have done already they are more than ready for the challenge."

The students - aged 16 to 18 - have already raised £2,400 but still need to raise £2,600 more to reach their target.

Most of the money will go to the NSPCC, while the rest will support underprivileged students doing adventure courses at the college by covering the costs of expedition equipment.

The Three Peaks challengers are still desperately in need of essential equipment including head torches, base layer clothing and fleeces and would welcome donations of money or equipment.

The group have been preparing for their mammoth task by undertaking regular walking expeditions, and carrying full training packs to get used to the weight they will have to carry.

They have already been to the Brecon Beacons for a full endurance training session and alongside this, the students and staff have been going to the gym twice a week to improve their fitness.

The students will leave Swindon College on Thursday and arrive at Fort William the next day.

The group of 10 students and two staff will start the ascent of Ben Nevis at 3am on March 15 followed by a drive to Scarfell pike in the Lake District and Mount Snowdon in Snowdonia, pictured.

The Uniformed Public Services group are still looking for donations, sponsorship or equipment that could help with the challenge.

Anyone who would like to make a donation or sponsor the group can contact Paul Holland on 01793 498626 or email paulholland@swindon- college.ac.uk.