A TEACHER has risen to the challenge of raising funds to send students on an African adventure of a lifetime.

Darlington School of Mathematics and Science deputy headteacher Neil Johnson has enlisted the support of finance director Andy Collishaw for a gruelling triple event challenge tomorrow (Saturday, June 21).

They will start the event from the Branksome estate academy with a 12 mile circular walk , followed immediately by a 25 mile bike ride, ending the marathon with a two mile row in the gym.

Mr Johnson hopes that their efforts will raise £1,000 to boost up the £25,000 already raised towards the cost of sending 21 students on a life-changing trip to Kenya – the school’s first ever visit to the African continent.

Three staff, including Mr Johnson, will accompany the specially selected students on the 12-day trip to the impoverished community of Nakuru, three hours north west of Nairobi.

The party will head out for Africa on June 28 on the life-changing adventure where they will work to improve conditions in the local community.

Mr Johnson said: “I had been due to take part in the Ben Nevis Challenge but my friends had to drop out so I decided to do this instead. We are starting at 8.30am and should be finished by 4pm.

“The whole school has got behind the trip by organising a host of fundraisers. Students are so excited and I am sure they will come back to this country so much better for the experience.”