Here at Co-op Academy Walkden it is not just the success of our students that we like to celebrate, but also that of our staff.

Last year, our very own PE Teacher, Mrs Bawden flew over to Belfast, Ireland to compete in the British Open Masters Powerlifting Competition.

Although Mrs Bawden has loved her weightlifting for a number of years, she only decided to take up the sport of Powerlifting competitively in Nov 23, where she took the North West records for squat and bench. This opened up the gateway for her to be eligible to compete in the British Open, which ultimately was her goal.

After several months of training 4 times a week on top of her full time teaching role she went out to Belfast and smashed it, taking the Bronze Medal in the Women's Master 2 U76kg. Setting Personal Best records for all the 3 lifts, squat, bench and deadlift.

Mrs Bawden is a role model for so many of our students, she brings her determination and strength into her teaching role at Walkden, especially by showing our girls that there are no limits to what they can achieve.