Inverness College UHI Army Prep students brave storm for good cause

A group of local young people have raised a significant amount of money for the Highland Hospice after tackling a gruelling mountain-top exercise. Students on Inverness College UHI’s Army Preparation Course undertook the challenge recently to help generate thousands of pounds in support of the worthwhile cause.

Eighteen learners enrolled on the Army Preparation Course at Inverness College UHI took part by training for and completing a 40km cycle and walk in the Cairngorm National Park recently. The team braved the elements to get through the arduous challenge, which coincided with stormy conditions and record breaking wind speeds in the region.

The proactive teenagers managed to raise a substantial sum for local charity the Highland Hospice through their efforts. A cheque for £2,300 was handed over to the organisation combining funds raised by the Cairngorm challenge as well as various charity collection days staged by the students during their time at the College.

Lecturer Rab Boyd commented: “The students went to Aviemore as part of their adventure training week, which takes place near the end of the Army Preparation Course. They spent the first few days training and scoping out the route for both the cycle and the walk before embarking on the full challenge. Through determination and commitment they saw it through, raising an impressive amount for a worthwhile cause in the process.

They were joined on the day by the seven local high school students who were invited to take part through their studies to obtain a Uniformed Emergency Services Skills for Work qualification. At the end of the day, everyone had a definite sense of achievement, especially given the horrendous weather conditions.”

One of the students who participated, Naomi Campbell (18) from Cantraywood near Inverness, said: “It was really challenging and the weather was awful, with wind, rain and freezing temperatures. It was extremely difficult just to stay on the bike sometimes- but we got through it as a team.”

The Army Preparation Course at Inverness College UHI has been running for nine years and is designed to give students a feel for life in the Armed Forces, without the commitment of signing up. It covers team building, accident and emergency procedures, core skills and fitness training.

Naomi is now hoping to pursue a career in the Army, after successfully completing the 18 week APC at Inverness College UHI. She explained: “My cousin did the course about five years ago and I saw how much she enjoyed it. When I left school I really didn’t know what I wanted to do but the APC turned out to be the best thing I’ve ever done. My place on the Army Basic Training course in London has already been confirmed and I’m hoping to eventually train as a pilot. I’m really excited about all the possibilities opening up for me as a result of the course.”