LouColl Legends Complete Staggering Hiking Challenge for Charity

A determined team from Loughborough College successfully completed the Welsh 3000 Challenge last weekend, finishing the demanding hike they started in November to raise funds for Leicester Hospitals Charity.

 in honour of Curriculum Manager for Hospitality and Catering, Darren Creed, the challenge, which requires participants to summit all 15 peaks over 3,000 feet in Wales within a 24-hour period, tested the endurance of the group. Despite unpredictable weather and gruelling terrain, the team – which included staff members Bernadette Barker, Dannii Donovan, Corinne Gardner, Dimitrios Tsokanos, and Ellie Whelan, alongside Darren’s son Baylea Creed and friend Warren Miller – completed the hike with just four hours left on the clock.

Darren’s personal journey, having undergone a life-changing kidney transplant in 2023 thanks to his wife Donna’s donation, was the driving force behind the fundraiser. The team’s efforts coincided with the 50^th anniversary of transplant success at University Hospital Leicester, making their achievement even more meaningful.

Reflecting on the journey, Darren shared: “I set about looking for a suitable challenge and stumbled across the Welsh 3000s. It doesn’t begin until you reach the top of Snowdon and then takes in the Glyder Tryfan, and Carnedd sections. 

“What started as a few friends saying yes grew into a team of 20. This weekend, that team completed this epic challenge, battling 60-mile-an-hour winds and torrential rain. I really can’t thank them enough, not only for getting involved and raising money but also for spreading awareness about the importance of organ donation and awareness.”

Team 1909, Loughborough College’s fundraising branch, continues to make a vital contribution to the Good for Me, Good for FE campaign, which encourages charitable initiatives in further education institutions. 

Over the two fundraising events, more than £2,500 has been raised. Donations can still be made via the dedicated JustGiving page.