A TEAM of staff from a Basingstoke college took part in a gruelling challenge to raise money for a charity close to their hearts.

Darren Minton, Tom Quante, Natt Khetklang and Daniel Hortin all work in the marketing department at Basingstoke College of Technology, and decided to enter the GRIM Challenge to raise money for the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Darren, 18, an apprentice at the college, in Worting Road, said: “Our graphic designer Kath suffers from Multiple Sclerosis and last year I lost my uncle to the disease, so we decided to raise money for this charity.”

The team participated in the tough endurance test in Aldershot at the Army’s vehicle testing tracks, where they encountered trails, hills, mud and lots of water along an eight mile course.

Darren, from Hatch Warren, Basingstoke, said: “GRIM was a big challenge. Running eight miles was not easy for any of us, and this was made even harder by the freezing cold water and thick mud.

“The challenge was much harder than I expected but it was all worth it to raise £1,132 for a great cause. This money will go a long way to helping everybody suffering with MS in the UK so the whole experience was very worthwhile.

“We have already turned our attention to what we can do next to raise even more money for the Multiple Sclerosis Society.”

To donate to the marketing team, visit justgiving.com/bcot-marketing-grim.