Squad Goals: MVA Student Ana Joins Children In Need Challenge Squad

If you were watching The One Show on the BBC yesterday, you may have spotted our very own Ana Aldridge speaking about her fantastic efforts to raise money as part of the BBC Children in Need campaign 'The Challenge Squad'.

Ana is raising money for Nova Sports, a charity that has helped and supported her in her wheelchair basketball career where she now plays for England, and has chosen a gruelling three-day, 22 mile kayak expedition as her method of inspiring us all to give generously.

All of this is something that Ana's teachers at MVA are thrilled about, but not remotely surprised by. Head of Year 10 Laura Brown spoke glowingly about Ana as an "amazing student who thrives despite health challenges", achieving incredible things in both her academic and sporting careers.

To see Ana now determined to give back and help other young people is truly inspirational, and a shining example of the values MVA strives to promote.

One Show presenter Alex Jones also spoke about the resilience she sees in Ana and her fellow Challenge Squad members, saying:

Every year I’m blown away by the resilience and determination shown by these incredible young people. They’re taking on challenges that will really test them, all while representing projects that have made a difference in their lives and the lives of other children and young people across the UK. It’s a privilege to support them and I know viewers will be cheering them on along the way.

If you'd like to follow along with Ana's progress, you can tune into The One Show every evening for updates on how all the challenges are progressing, as well as watching Ana's most recent appearance back on iPlayer here.

Ana's kayaking odyssey begins next week, so be sure to join us in cheering her on, along with all the other incredible young people supporting causes close to their hearts.

Ana, you're a hero. Paddle on.

Children In Need broadcasts live next Friday on the 13th of November.

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