The 12-strong team from Coleg Cambria’s Bersham Road site in Wrexham has successfully completed the Bigger Boat Challenge. The task – referencing the 1975 movie hit, Jaws – was the toughest yet for Karl Jackson and colleagues as they kayaked around Lake Vyrnwy and Bala Lake and hiked 22 kilometres while camping overnight in rough conditions, all in aid of Dementia UK.
“Particularly Gruelling”
“We have taken on some big adventures for various campaigns over the years, but this one was particularly gruelling, and the weather was terrible at the start,” said Karl, Assistant Principal for the Institute of Technology and Site Lead at Bersham Road.

“It began to clear up, and we stuck together to keep morale high, even when the high winds made it challenging to kayak on the lakes. Ultimately, as always, we didn’t let anything stand in our way, and we are thrilled to finish the journey and also smash our fundraising target.”
The Bigger Boat Challenge has so far raised more than £1,200, to the delight of Joanna Sullivan, Head of Community Fundraising, Events and Innovation at Dementia UK.
Admiral Nurses
The money will support the charity and its nurses – known as “Admiral Nurses” – who provide free specialist advice, support and understanding to anyone affected by the condition.

“Congratulations from everyone at Dementia UK to Karl and his colleagues for completing their fundraising challenge. We are thankful for all their hard work,” said Joanna. “Living with a diagnosis of dementia can be exhausting, not just for the person with it but for those around them too. With the dedicated support from fundraisers like Karl, we can ensure no family has to face dementia alone and reach more families than ever with our Admiral Nurses.”
This adventure was the latest in a series led by Karl. In recent years, he and fellow Cambria staff have completed the Skye is the Limit Challenge, the Welsh Three Peaks and the Crazy 7 for Stepping Stones North Wales. They have collected more than £1,000 for the Menstrual Health Project by completing the Cairngorm 4000s, as well as conquering the four-day Freezing Fingers expedition in bleak, wintry conditions over the Rhinogydd mountain range in Snowdonia.

Visit dementiauk.org for more on the charity.
You can still support the Bigger Boat Challenge. Visit justgiving.com/page/karl-jackson-1726470628182.
Visit cambria.ac.uk for more news and information from Coleg Cambria.
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