Iron Men of Consett
Building Self- Belief are currently delivering and Employability Programme at Consett Academy. As part of the sessions, we discuss the importance of volunteering and how impressive this is to employers – especially when young people are channelling their energy into a good cause.
70.3 mile Iron Man
Three of our students – Jamie Watson, Thomas William and Jake Kingshot - as well as volunteering for our sessions, are also in the process of training to an Iron Man contest in aid of a great cause, Teenage Cancer Research. They are all taking on the challenge of the 70.3 mile Iron Man.
Challenge not a Race
The Iron Man challenge consists of so a 1.2 mile swim, a 56 mile bike ride and a 13.1 mile run. Their approach is to see this as a challenge, rather than a race – but we suspect there may be an element of competition creeping in! The swim will be in open water at the Derwent Reservoir, and they are taking advantage of the fabulous bike routes we have in the area for the run and the cycling elements.
Fitness and Endurance
Iron Man contests are a great way to develop fitness and test endurance. For these young people to do this in aid of such a good cause makes their commitment even more impressive. They have chosen Teenage Cancer Trust in memory of Steven Clark, a local man, taken too soon, who loved sport and would have certainly been impressed with the level of sporting, mental and emotional commitment they young re putting into this challenge.
Please Donate
There is still time to contribute. The challenge itself takes place in May Half Term, on the 25th May. Please donate, they would really appreciate your support.
Fundraising / May 30th, 2025
Teenage Cancer Trust
Kye and his family were supported by Teenage Cancer Trust at the Great North Children's Hospital during his treatment, therefore Kye's parents chose this charity for all the funds to be donated to, to enable Teenage Cancer Trust to continue supporting families like Kye's.
Heritage / June 2nd, 2026
Gateshead schoolchildren honour victims of historic Stargate Pit Disaster
Crookhill Primary School have been working with Building Self Belief on a year 5 and 6 project about the pit disaster as well as learning about life in the Stargate and Crookhill area 200 years ago and about the changes that have taken place in the area since then.
Heritage / January 28th, 2025
Voices of Consett - Kris Kennedy
Kris Kennedy, has lived and worked in Consett all of his life, living in Constance Street and currently working at Consett Golf Club. As part of our Consett Heritage project, read his Consett Heritage story here.