A student at HSDC has won a ballot to participate in the 2026 London Marathon, raising money for various charities in the process.
Archie Dinnage, who is currently completing his Level 2 Uniformed Public & Defence Services (PDS) Diploma at HSDC South Downs, won his ballot place through The Lord’s Taverners, a charity that provides inclusive cricket programmes to empower young people with disabilities.
Archie is the younger of two twins born almost 10 weeks prematurely, leading to health complications and challenges that he has worked hard to overcome, including an asthma diagnosis at the age of four.
Archie started on the Level 1 PDS Diploma at HSDC in September 2024. From day one, he was able to thrive with the support of his tutors and lecturers and reach his full potential. During the PDS Pass-Off Parade at the end of the academic year, Archie received the Top Student Award for the Level 1 Course, a truly fantastic achievement.
HSDC has supported Archie throughout his time at College, with the encouragement and discipline of the PDS Courses providing further assistance for his focus.
Outside of College, Archie maintains standards of excellence and inclusion by joining the Royal Navy’s Volunteer Cadet Corps and joining the Super 1’s cricket programme.
After completing his Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award with the College, Archie wanted to take on an even greater challenge, leading him to enter the ballot for the London Marathon with The Lord’s Taverners. This marks a huge milestone for Archie, who had previously avoided running as a result of his personal challenges.
Archie’s goal is to raise £2,000 for four organisations that he has a personal connection with – HMS Collingwood Volunteer Cadet Corps, The Lord’s Taverners, Gosport & District Sports Association for the Disabled (GADSAD), and Havant & East Hampshire Mind, the official charity partner of HSDC’s PDS course.
Speaking about the importance of raising money for these organisations and the impact that they have on the lives of so many people, Archie’s mother Heidi said:
“This is Archie’s way of saying thank you to everyone who has supported him, and an opportunity to give something back to the organisations that have helped him on his journey.”
Heidi added:
“Archie is the happiest he’s ever been and now is surrounded by excellent role-models and mentors both in College and during his extracurricular activities and volunteering roles. I am very confident that HSDC will continue to support him to his full potential.”
The entire staff and student body at HSDC wants to wish Archie the best of luck as he embarks on this daunting yet rewarding journey, and encourages everybody to visit his fundraising page to find out more.
The link to Archie’s fundraising page can be found here: https://givewheel.com/fundraising/11299/archies-goal-to-overcome-personal-challenges-and-c/