Adventurous students are swapping their classroom for the great outdoors as part of a mountainous charity challenge.
Culford Senior School pupils Charlie Hollingsworth, Gregory Veal, Farley Bretherton, Alexander Couch, Louis Hall, Louwna Hendriks, Henry Meadows, Charlotte Mole and Jessi Peters are taking on the National Three Peaks Challenge to raise funds for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
They will be joined by staff members Ian Roach, Andrew and Sarah Shoesmith, Sarah Schofield, Chris Roberts and Alison Kirkham and plan to climb the highest mountains of England, Scotland and Wales within 24 hours.
They will be starting with Ben Nevis, in Scotland, before moving onto Scafell Pike, in the Lake District, and then Snowdon, in Wales. The total walking distance is 23 miles (37km) and the total ascent 3,064 metres (10,052ft), while the total driving distance is 462 miles.
“We’re raring to go,” said 16-year-old Lower Sixth pupil Charlie.
“We know it’s going to be a real mission because this is one of the most difficult challenges anyone can do in the UK. It’s the pinnacle but a fabulous way to stretch ourselves, both physically and mentally.
“We’ll be starting in daylight but it’ll be dark by the time we climb Scafell Pike. That’s when we’ll be seriously tested, especially if it’s cold and wet. We’ll be tiring but it’s important to stick together and keep our spirits up.
“We’ve been in training, doing things like weighted walks and speed marching, since the beginning of the year to ensure that when the day comes, we’ll be ready.
“It’s definitely a lot harder than we anticipated, but we’re up for the challenge and it’s something we’re all enjoying together.”
The adventurous staff and students – most of whom are part of the Duke of Edinburgh scheme or attend Combined Cadet Force – get their challenge underway on Tuesday, 11th April and are delighted to be supporting EACH.
The charity supports families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across East Anglia and has hospices in Suffolk, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire.
“We don’t have a personal connection but feel it’s important to support a charity that has such an impact in our community,” said 17-year-old Gregory.
“Without its work, many would have much worse lives and, as young people ourselves, it’s important to support a fabulous cause that does such amazing work. We’re excited by the prospect of raising as much as possible.”
To sponsor the group, head here.
