On 17-18 May, we’ll be taking part in the National Three Peaks Challenge, one of the UK’s most famous extreme trekking events. Our team will be raising money for the Royal National Children’s Springboard Foundation (RNCSF), the UK’s largest bursary charity that focuses on harnessing the power of educational opportunities at some of the UK’s leading schools to benefit young people who need them most.
We’re sure there’ll be plenty of aching limbs and blisters and not a lot of sleep as we step out from behind our desks and into the mountains! But we’re also committed to playing our part in making a difference to the wider community, and this is a cause we feel passionately about. We’re delighted to be able to do our bit to help children and young people gain access to high-quality education and have the best possible start in life.
What is the National Three Peaks Challenge?
Set to cover a total walking distance of 23 miles and a total ascent of 3,064 metres – we’ll be climbing to the summits of all three of the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales within 24 hours.
On top of that, we’ll be driving between the peaks, with a total travelling distance of 462 miles. So we’ve set ourselves quite the challenge!
At 1,345 metres high, Scotland’s Ben Nevis is the tallest mountain in the United Kingdom, and the highest of the three peaks in the Challenge. It has one main path and, unlike the other two peaks, the path starts close to sea level, which means making a much greater vertical ascent.
Scafell Pike is the highest mountain in England, rising to 978 metres. There are several paths to the summit, but most Three Peaks Challengers begin at Wasdale Head, to the North of Wast Water.
The highest mountain in Wales, Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) has many paths to the summit of varying difficulty. However, most Three Peaks Challengers follow either the Pyg Track or Miners Track, leaving from the Pen-y-Pass car park.
It’s triple the trouble – but here’s why we think it’s worth it.
What is the Royal National Children’s Springboard Foundation (RNCSF)?
Our challenge is for an important cause. Working closely with the UK’s boarding and independent schools sector, RNCSF aims to increase the number of 110% bursary places (those that cover all fees and extras) and ensure that these opportunities are targeted towards young people who need them most.
RNCSF partners with organisations at community level and local authorities to identify young people whose lives could be transformed through a bursary placement at a boarding or independent school.
They recognise that some of the UK’s leading schools – boarding and independent – offer their pupils opportunities, experiences and relationships that are literally life changing. RNCSF believe that these advantages should not be the exclusive preserve of those born into privilege. And the schools in their growing network agree.
By focusing on achieving 110% bursary places, the charity ensures that, in addition to being covered for school fees, SpringBoarders are empowered to fully embrace the opportunities they encounter. This includes having access to uniform and sports equipment, learning materials and participation in extra-curricular activities.
Can you help?
We’ll brave whatever the mountains throw at us come rain or shine, but will you get behind our team and support RNCSF’s important work by donating to our National Three Peaks Challenge fundraising appeal? You’ll be helping us to make a real difference to the lives and aspirations of children and young people across the UK. For any donation, big or small, we would like to say thank you. It’s really appreciated.
Making a donation is quick and easy (unlike the Three Peaks Challenge!), just visit our GoFundMe page.
