Challenge proves school's education in peak condition, says head (From Watford Observer)
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Three Peaks challenge raises £38,000 for Chorleywood school
8:30am Wednesday 12th September 2012 in News
By Adam Binnie, Senior Reporter
Challenge proves school's education in peak condition, says head
A team of 27 walkers who climbed the highest mountains in England, Wales and Scotland to raise money to rebuild a Chorleywood school raised £38,000.
The team, from Christ Church School, organised and took part in the Three Peaks Challenge during May. Out of the 27 who set off, 23 completed the challenge, 19 in fewer than 24 hours. The fastest time was 19 hours 18 minutes.
The school, in Rickmansworth Road, needs £30,000 for improvements to the buildings and IT facilities.
Jane Broadis, fundraising co-ordinator, said her three boys were so inspired by the team's effort, they asked if they could tackle the mountains themselves.
Joe, ten, Jamie, eight, and John, five, along with mum Jane and dad Jeremy, who was a driver for the original challenge, completed their own Three Peaks Challenge over five days.
Mrs Broadis said: "The conditions on Ben Nevis were frightening. We had a two day window to tackle the mountain and on the first day it rained from morning till night.
"The forecast was better for the second day - showers and sunny intervals - then a gale blew up over night.
"The forecast said winds were gusting 70mph and it was certainly true once we were on Ben Nevis. Half way up I turned back with John because I really thought he was going to blow away.
"We then tackled Scafell Pike and Snowdon and managed to have picnics on those two though we didn't get a view from the top of any of them.
"I am so proud of my boys, especially little John who was determined to keep up with his big brothers."
The total amount raised by the trek is just over £38,000, surpassing the original goal of £30,000.
Headteacher Duncan Gauld said: "This sort of funding can make all the difference to the level of educational provision we can offer in difficult economic times.
"We are so grateful to everyone who has supported the school. I am proud of what the boys have achieved.
"It is great to see young people being inspired, setting goals and being determined to achieve them. It's what good education is all about."
