Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s uniformed public services students from Newton Rigg College transforming into superheroes today to raise money for Comic Relief.
Mal Bellamy, who organised the charitable effort alongside fellow course leader Guy Heath, said the students had decided to don superhero outfits as that is he calls them superheroes of the future thanks to the careers they are lined up to follow in the army, navy, RAF, police, fire service and more.
Mal said: “As part of a discussion with my UPS students about the closure of the college and plans for the future they collectively wanted to do something good and charitable one more time before the teams are broken up and fly in various directions.
“I suggested Comic Relief and the plan was born.”
Today the students threw on their superhero capes and outfits to tackle a sponsored 5km cross-country fun run with obstacles.
They will also take on various challenges and finish with a one-hour army-style superhero PT circuit.
Speaking about the threatened closure of the college Mal said: “I’m committed to ensuring all students leave with highest grades possible. I have an eye for any opportunities out there from July, August, onwards but I couldn’t leave these students until our job is done – they’re all awesome and have all chosen a course to do good in the world.
“A few first year students recently left us to join the army and are doing well, others are deciding on their futures, potentially with Carlisle, Kendal, Lakes or other local colleges.
“Our second year students are completing their final few assignments and are looking ahead to careers in the public services or university places for policing degrees and the like.
“My heart goes out to this particular bunch of UPS students as they signed up for a physical course and one where we get out in the community and even to London and around the world but COVID has stopped much of it.
“They have performed admirably and I hope the values and standards that we have taught will serve them all well – they’re certainly proving that by doing events like this.”
A JustGiving page has been set up for their fundraising efforts. Visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/malb-rednoseday21
We have launched a petition to make national decision makers sit up and take notice of our belief that Newton Rigg should not be closed.
Please sign it below.
