Festival of Partnerships for Students Prize winner

After working on various Regional University Network events throughout the Festival of Partnerships for Students I was thrilled to be one of the chosen few to find 'My Peak Potential'. The briefing in Leeds gave us an insight to what could be expected but on arriving at the lodge in the Southern Alps of Germany, nothing quite prepared me for the spectacular location and scenery. Day one saw our team Nordic skiing, day two snowshoeing and day three was the much kept secret activities in the gorge; a mix of activities which enabled us all to challenge ourselves both physically and mentally.and have some fun along the way.

The coaches were fantastic and made us all feel at ease with each task we faced - going blind folded down a zip wire across a river is certainly something I have never experienced before! It was great to mix with staff and students from across the university and share the journey with them. My highlight was the talk given by Dave Bunting on the Mount Everest expedition via the formidable West Ridge. It was inspirational and motivating and demonstrated the importance of working as a team and being focussed on your goals.

Sarah Kirkpatrick GandySenior Officer - Widening Participation & Communications Innovation North - RUN Central