Sophy Bassett, a senior lecturer in Physical Education, and Bedfordshire alumni Ali Hayes and Donna Neely, cycled from Land’s End to John O’Groats and walked 40 miles, in 12 hours, as part of a series challenges over the last year.

To finish the Facing Your Limits mission their final task was to paddle The Great River Ouse from Bedfordshire up to the start of The Wash.

The overall mission – “three challenges for three charities for two survivors in one year” – was inspired by their two friends, Mo Lea (Senior Lecturer in Art at the University) and Brett Anthony, the surviving victims of two very different traumatic and life changing events.

Funds have been collected for Victim Support, East Anglian Air Ambulance and Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust throughout.

For the final task the trio were joined by seven friends (which included three further alumni).

The group were prepped by Tim Hewett, Bedfordshire Senior Lecturer in Sport, who volunteered to train the women in kayaking techniques and safety procedures. He also provided the boat equipment, maps and transport along with “endless encouragement and motivation”.

What was to follow was an average of 23 miles a day paddling – negotiating locks, strong headwinds, high temperatures, fatigue and miles of thick river weed.

“At times it was like paddling through porridge,” exclaimed Sophy.

“The start of the event was covered by ITV Anglia News which was a huge morale boost for the team and encouraged support from other river users and folk along the river bank.

“The first day was a long paddle but the team negotiated the route well.

“On the second day, the strain of the challenge became more apparent as some of the team struggled with the physical demands.

“On the final day, as we came to our final destination at the awesome Denver Sluices, supporters had gathered on the bank to cheer us home and ensure the final portage was one to remember.”

Sophy added: “To actually complete the mission is incredible. It has been an emotional journey but to know these charities will benefit from this funding has been what kept us going throughout and we hope that it can really make a difference to peoples’ lives.”

To add to the funds visit: www.facingyourlimits.com