Page 22 - Demo

Olli Derham tells us why he keeps pushing his boundaries. After LWC I went to the University of Warwick to study Mechanical Engineering. Whilst at Warwick I competed (successfully) in the Formula Student and International Submarine Races. For the latter we designed and raced a human powered submarine in Gosport, UK and Washington, USA. The experience helped me become a finalist in the 2016 Engineering Undergraduate of the Year competition and gain a place at E.ON. This was the springboard for my career as a Systems Engineer, I currently work with the Navy on complex systems and integration programmes. Many who know me knew my Mum lived with cancer, unfortunately passing away when I was at Uni. This was obviously a difficult time, but I give so much credit to the Sutton Matrons, Mrs B and Mrs C, for looking after me, even after I had left. I came across the charity Victoria’s Promise (Odiham) through other Sternians, Ross and TJ Power. They strive to ‘empower young women, and their families, through cancer and beyond’. I am now trying to raise awareness of Victoria’s Promise and this has led me to a crazy mixture of sporting challenges; The London Marathon, Ride London-Essex 100, GB Duro, The New York Marathon, The Flandrian Challenge (well, an attempt. I ended up in A&E in Lille…) and Iron Man challenges to name but a few. I will keep pushing my boundaries and continue to spread awareness and support for Victoria’s Promise. Please do support them if you can, what they do is life changing! Next up is Ironman Valencia, Thames Swim Marathon, Ironman Italia Romagna and the Chicago Marathon.OLLI DERHAM(2013, Sutton)Holly Mobbs talks to us about saying goodbye to LWC and her passion for canoeing. After leaving LWC in 2016, I went off to the University of Essex to study Psychology. I then completed a School-Direct PGCE, at Bohunt School in Liphook, to become a Psychology Teacher. I was fortunate to be able to return to LWC for my second placement in February 2020. Following this I was offered a job teaching Psychology at LWC. During this time I could continue to support the canoeing programme at the school and it also gave me time to increase my involvement with canoeing on the National stage.In 2021, I was elected onto the British Canoeing’s Marathon Racing discipline committee. As a volunteer, I have been involved in the Junior Development national pathway, organised and lead national canoeing events and increased social media presence for canoe marathon. In 2023, I was honoured to be short-listed for an engagement award in the British Canoeing’s annual volunteer awards for my commitment to the sport as well as my athlete-centred approach. In summer 2022, I said goodbye to LWC officially as I moved away from home (I had lived at LWC for 18 years as my father, Graham Mobbs, is Head of Art) and started a Head of Department role at Halliford School in Shepperton. LWC was such a foundational environment and place for me throughout my life. Thank you to all the members of the wider community that have helped to shape me into the person I am today, whether that’s as a family friend, teacher or colleague.HOLLY MOBBS(2016, Park)ALUMNI UPDATE Where Are They Now?20