Three complementary therapy students from Coleg Gwent’s Pontypool campus were in need of some well-earned rest and relaxation of their own after taking part in a great outdoors challenge for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

The Whole Hog Race saw Emily Smith, Jodie Dupplaw and Sian Williams cross country running, negotiating obstacles, wading through a river and walking up a small waterfall in the Brecon Beacons.

The team, who named themselves The Ballistic Holistics, completed the 10k course in less than two hours, raising £300 for the charity.

“We are proud of each other and ourselves for completing it,” said Jodie, who plans to work as a holistic therapist on a cruise ship after her course. “We’re used to working together to help others relax, so this was a totally different, but very fun experience!”

“Sian came up with the idea, and we all decided to take part to set ourselves a new challenge and to raise money for a great cause.

“All of our friends, family and work colleagues sponsored us very generously.”