Mighty Mountain Challenge In The Name Of Charity

Staff at South Staffordshire College are taking on the challenge of a lifetime to raise money for charity.

Mat Bridger, a Construction Technician from Cannock and Stephen Lewis, a Motor Vehicle Technician from Hednesford, both working at the College’s Cannock Campus, are attempting to climb some of the highest mountains in the UK to raise money for national charities.

They will be supporting Marie Curie, Fsid (cot death) and Ickle Pickles (premature baby equipment) and hope to raise not just money but awareness for these worthy organisations.

Stephen decided to get involved in fundraising when his son Jake was born 6 weeks premature and he also lost a nephew to cot death.  Supported by his colleague Mat, the two are now planning their journey, starting with the highest mountain the British Isles, Ben Nevis in Scotland, at 4,409 ft. and then onto Scafell Pike in England, over 3000 ft. before attempting Mount Snowdon in Wales, at 3,560 ft.

The challenge brings many dangers, including ankle and knee injuries as well as dehydration and exposure to the elements so Stephen and Mat are busy preparing for their feat, training hard and making sure the equipment they will rely on during their route is working.

With over £150 already raised, Stephen and Mat are hoping to encourage friends, family, students and the local community to contribute to their chosen charities by visiting www.justgiving.com/ukmountainchallenge and donating whatever they can.

“We are both looking forward to the challenge and working hard to make sure we are fit and well prepared for all eventualities.  Raising money for these particular charities is very close to our hearts and we hope to achieve our goal to finish the journey.  We hope the money we raise will make a difference to people who need help in difficult times,” said Stephen.

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