Barnfield Steps it Out

A seven-strong team from Barnfield College plus one former employee walked through rain-swept Luton in the wee hours of Saturday, September 6 as part of the Pasque's Midnight Walk, Luton's first 10-mile sponsored night walk for women.
Donna Barnell, head of Barnfield's Child Health and Social Care Department, and Fiona Simpson, Child Health and Social Care tutor, came first in two hours, 20 minutes.

The walk was fully subscribed with 1,000 women taking part.

Volunteers from Barnfield's Sport, Leisure and Fitness Department organised complimentary pre-walk massages and warm-up exercises for the walkers. The event started and finished at Barnfield's New Bedford Road campus.

Michelle Rogers, from the college's Guidance and Learner Support service, said: "My friend Wendy Rampley who used to work at Barnfield and I completed the course in about 3 hours. It was hard going especially up the hills and it was pouring with rain. The Pasque organisers handed out plastic ponchos. Everyone was in good spirits.

"It was worth every effort to help Pasque. Two of my neighbours and Wendy's grandfather passed away there. Pasque is a fantastic organisation."

The two women raised £300 for the charity.

Pete Birkett, the college Chief Executive, said: "Barnfield is very committed to helping our community. I can't praise our hardworking staff enough for their efforts, especially in the heavy rain. Pasque is a very worthy charity that deserves our full support."

Other Barnfield staff taking part were Geraldine Carol 2 hours 40 and Lynda Jeakings and Diane Valentine, three hours and £330 together and Tracey Hancock.
For more information visit www.pasque.org/midnightwalk or call 01582 497849.