Dedicated staff from The Winstanley School have swapped the classroom for the mountains, successfully completing the gruelling national Three Peaks Challenge to support their students. The team pushed through intense physical limits to scale the highest peaks in Scotland, England, and Wales, raising thousands of pounds to ensure free after-school activities can continue for students at their school in Braunstone Town.
The Challenge
Eight members of staff recently set out to climb the highest mountains in England, Scotland, and Wales within 24 hours, all in support of the school's ASPIRE Programme. The team hiked 23 miles across Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon, climbs totalling approximately 3,064 metres, and travelled 462 miles by road during the challenge.
In a remarkable achievement, four members of the team reached the summit of Ben Nevis, the final climb, within the 24-hour time limit. Every member played a vital role in helping the team meet the deadline, providing encouragement, motivation, and support throughout the challenge.
Extraordinary Commitment
One team member, Lucas Taylor, completed the challenge despite later discovering that he had sustained a broken foot during the event, highlighting the extraordinary commitment shown by the group. The team included headteacher Dave Bennett and members of the pastoral team, led by Andy Harston and Grant Turner, a former Olympic swimmer who swapped the pool for the mountains.
The ASPIRE Programme
Together they run the school's ASPIRE Programme, a free after-school extracurricular initiative offering students a safe space to try new activities, build confidence, and broaden their experiences, along with a hot meal after the sessions. The challenge has attracted significant support from the local community, with the team receiving encouragement throughout their journey. They are delighted by the response to their fundraising efforts, which currently stands at £3,166.
Community Support
Grant Turner said: “We are incredibly proud of what the team has achieved. The support we received throughout the challenge was amazing and really helped keep us going. Every pound raised will help us continue providing opportunities for students to take part in activities, develop new skills, and build confidence beyond the classroom. We are extremely grateful to everyone who has donated and supported us.”
Every penny raised will support the ASPIRE Programme, which gives students access to free after-school clubs and activities four days a week. To support the team, visit: Donate to support Winstanley School Aspire.
Location: Braunstone Town, Leicestershire
