Sedbergh School pupils tackle Yorkshire Three Peaks

Around one hundred pupils from the Lower Sixth form of Sedbergh School tackled the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge to kick-start their fundraising for our ‘Transforming Young Lives’ appeal.

The 16 and 17-year-olds set off from Horton in Ribblesdale at 8.00am on Monday 2 June to tackle the 24 mile route taking in Pen-y-Ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside.

They were supported by school staff and Brathay’s challenge events team, who encouraged them with road-side support and plenty of water to help with the very warm conditions.

The pupils are using the challenge to launch fundraising activities taking place over the course of the Michaelmas Term. A trophy will be awarded to the House that raises the most in sponsorship. This will allow Brathay work with more young people from across the north of England at our residential centres in the Lake District.

Many of the young people Brathay works with face particular challenges; managing the transition from living in care to independence, risking exploitation in unhealthy relationships or lacking the confidence to find work or training. All of them need support and inspiration to fulfil their potential.

Paul Fairclough, Deputy Headmaster (Sixth Form) said: "We have been working for some time behind the scenes to develop links between Sedbergh School and the Brathay Trust and it was fantastic to see our first joint event go so well. Whilst participating in such events is obviously enormously rewarding for those staff and pupils involved, this challenge will also act as a springboard for a series of future events that will help us to support the excellent work that the Trust does with those young people in the wider community who are facing serious life challenges."

Scott Umpleby from Brathay summed up the day with "Pupils from all nine of the school Houses took part in an inspirational day where they supported each other to undertake this iconic hill challenge. The majority completed Pen-y-Gent and Whernside – a significantly long day in the hills by any standards, made particularly challenging in the warm condition. A group from Powell House pushed on to complete all 24 miles, being rewarded by stunning views across the Yorkshire Dales from the summit of Ingleborough, before the final tiring miles back to Horton-in-Ribblesdale."