Sixth form students from Honiton Community College have presented the town’s Admiral Nurse campaign with a cheque for £1,484.

The money was raised from a gruelling ‘24 Triathlons in 24 hours’ challenge, which saw students, staff and supports row, run and cycle as fast as they could within 24 hours.

They were joined by Heather Penwarden, who is steering the campaign, at an assembly to hand over the cheque.

Mrs Penwarden, who is also chair of Honiton Dementia Action Alliance Group, said: “We are in awe of these inspiring sixth form students and staff from Honiton Community College who completed this massive challenge.

“Your contribution will be greatly appreciated by all who are touched by dementia. “Every donation to our Honiton Admiral Nurse Campaign takes us one step closer to having our own nurse for families living with dementia. We are so proud of you all!”

The mighty fundraiser was held at the school’s fitness centre last month.

With just 13 minutes to spare before the 24 hour time slot had passed on Friday, April 20, the participants crossed the finish line and successfully completed the 1,236km.

Selena Burroughs, head of sixth form said the fundraiser provided a ‘great opportunity’ for all of the students to lead, organise and complete the event for the campaign.

She said: “We were very grateful to everyone who came in and helped out with fresh legs for a few kilmoetres to help us get to the end target.

“This included local businesses, members of the Honiton Admiral Nurse Group, fire crews and our own staff and governors.

“All of our students should feel very proud of their achievements from this and its events like this that they gain so many transferable skills and memories from that they will take with them when they leave us.”

Glenn Smith, principal of Honiton Community College, added: “Our sixth formers are an incredible group of young adults.

“They ran the entire event, from the official opening to the triumphant finish. They led and managed with aplomb.

“I am particularly proud of the teamwork skills and intrinsic motivation displayed by each and every one of them.”