Fourteen of The Blandford School staff set off to complete the 3 Peaks Challenge this month –
climbing and descending the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales in under 24 hours.
Their challenge officially began with the ascent of Ben Nevis at 1pm on Wednesday 20th April. In glorious weather the team reached the snow- covered peak at 1:45pm, before returning to the bus and travelling to Scafell Pike in the Lake District.
The second 978m climb started at midnight; it was tricky with a howling wind most of the way up. The team kept close together to ensure everyone stayed safe, but successfully completed the trip just after 5am. The third climb was Snowdon – and another glorious day for the final 1,085m climb, but the team didn’t begin until 10:21am. The time looked very tight, so the team decided to split up and allow colleagues to complete the mountain at their own pace, with the hope of some being able to get to the top in under 24 hours, and others being able to make it up and down.
The first four members of the team made it back to the car park at 12:51pm. They were quickly followed by two others, all completing the challenge just inside the 24 hours. The rest of the team successfully made it to the top and back down again. Trip organiser, Mr Niall Clinton (Head of year 7 and 9) commented
“It’s been a real team effort from both the climbers and the members of staff who helped with the organisation of accommodation, travel and fundraising. The student body have been supporting our efforts and credit needs to go to our Senior Students, including our prefect team, for this. We are so pleased that we’ve been able to raise money and awareness for two such worthy causes.”
Everyone involved would like to say a huge thank you to Riverside Travel for the use of their bus, and everyone who sponsored the event; so far over £2,700 has been raised for the two charities (Blandford Foodbank and MYTIME Young Carers). https://gofund.me/67260be6