Tackling 24 hours of sport proved no sweat for a dedicated bunch of Stockton Riverside College students.

Tasked with organising a sporting event, the enthusiastic team were determined to make their hard work count.

Inspired by their classmate, Joe Halliday’s own battle with cancer; the group of 23 BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sports students decided to use the challenge as an opportunity to raise funds for Cancer Research UK.

Course leader Tor Black said: “The energy and enthusiasm the students brought to the event was amazing.”

Joe was diagnosed with thyroid cancer aged just seven, which they quickly discovered had spread to his lungs.

But the now 19-year-old from Billingham has never been one to let cancer stand in his way.

Taking his place on the sports field at the SRC Sports Centre in Billingham, he said: “Having grown up with it, it doesn’t really affect me.”

Over the years he has undergone three operations, two to his neck and one on his chest. The Sports student is now taking a tablet form of Chemotherapy.

Monthly hospital appointments aside, he said: “I tend to overlook it.” Delighted to be able to play a part in the 24 hour sport he said: “It is good to know that we are doing our bit, not just for me but for others that have cancer.”

Starting the challenge at 9am students played a variety of sports at 45 minute intervals, with 15 minute breaks in between, buoyed on by course leader Tor and staff from the SRC Sports Centre who volunteered their time.

With the students having a go at everything from football to rounders, basketball to badminton, dodgeball to indoor cricket, Jess Pearce, 18, of Stockton, said: “It was really good fun. Everyone was excited and keen to get started.”

Paddy Reynard, 19, of Billingham, added: “It has been one of the most enjoyable units on the course, even the planning was fun.”

Of the event, course leader Tor said: “The students’ organisation skills were amazing. Everything was planned out and it all ran to schedule.”

“From 3.30am onwards it was really hard, but we just all had a laugh and made the most of it, and everyone gave it their all.”

The Stockton Riverside College Sports students hope to have raised more than £500 for Cancer Research UK.