Two Teesside college chief execs to join forces in Great Wall of China trek

College leaders Grant Glendinning and Zoe Lewis have never been ones to shy away from a challenge. And the latest is sure to test both to their limits.

Familiar faces to many across the Tees Valley, the chief executives are joining forces to tackle Daisy Chain’s Great Wall of China trek. While it’s not going to be easy, both are ready to put on brave faces as the training begins.

“I honestly can’t wait, the history the culture, the people, the walking, and really the whole experience,” said Middlesbrough College chief executive, Zoe. “I’ve completed many cycling challenges, both in the UK and abroad, but nothing as extensive – or as exciting – as this.”

The trek will follow a winding path along the Yan Mountains to the Gubeikou Gateway, tackling a series of vigorous inclines along the way.

For Grant, chief executive of the Education Training Collective, it is the chance to test his fitness on much more demanding terrain.

“I have no doubt it is going to be a challenge. I am aware it’s very hilly with lots of steep inclines,” he said. “It will certainly be a case of us all supporting each other along the way. I feel lucky and privileged to be in a position to be able to do this.”

Both CEOs are driven by a desire to raise awareness of autism and neurodiversity.

Raising vital funds for Daisy Chain, who support autistic and neurodivergent people and their families, Grant, said: “This is an area I feel very strongly about, informed by both personal connection and years of strategic leadership in the autism sector. I’ve seen first-hand how important the right support is for individuals and families, and I’m proud to be helping Daisy Chain continue delivering that impact.”

For Zoe this is a chance to fulfil a lifelong ambition, “all while supporting a charity that genuinely changes lives every day”.

With a fundraising target of £5000 each, the college leads will be part of a team of 10 Teesside business leaders heading to Beijing in October.

As colleagues in further education, Zoe and Grant welcomed the chance to take on the once in a lifetime trek together.

Zoe said: “Our colleges share so much common ground that I’m sure walking side by side will spark great conversations – and we’ll maybe even find some solutions to tricky local skills issues along the way.”

As for the training, she said: “Over the past few years, I’ve been steadily increasing my walking. I’ll be tackling the four flights of stairs at Middlesbrough College several times a day, all year, and I plan to make plenty of trips up and down Roseberry Topping in the month before the walk.”

Keen runner Grant, who heads up Bede Sixth Form College, NETA Training, Stockton Riverside College, Innersummit and Redcar and Cleveland, said: “I’ll be spending more time on my feet, strengthening the capillaries and my ankles, and making sure I have the right pair of boots!”

Despite both having competitive natures, they are putting that aside in favour of making it a real team effort and getting everyone over the finish line.

Zoe said: “As I get older, I’m far more focused on enjoying the experience. I’m hoping we all support each other and keep the group motivated.”

Grant added: “I am competitive when it comes to sport but only with myself, always pushing for a personal best. I’m much more of a team player when it comes to things like this. The priority is the experience, the journey, everyone having an enjoyable time, and raising vital awareness and funds.”

Daisy Chain chief executive Neeraj Sharma said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone taking part in the Great Wall challenge. It is fantastic to see leaders such as Grant and Zoe stepping forward alongside others to support Daisy Chain in this way. Their commitment will help us continue delivering vital support for autistic and neurodivergent people and their families across the North, at a time when demand for those services has never been greater.”

All funds raised through the challenge will directly support Daisy Chain’s frontline services.