Twelve Sixth Form students and three members of staff from Writhlington School and Mendip Studio School took part in the National 24-hour Three Peaks Challenge last weekend, smashing their target time and fundraising goal to raise money for England and Wales Mountain Rescue.

The students have taken part in numerous outdoor pursuits during their time at school, including expeditions to France, Mexico, Africa, Iceland, The Lake District and the Scottish mountains and so they decided they wanted to give something back to the people who keep the mountains safe for adventurers like themselves.

The team set off at 11 a.m. on Friday, taking on their first mountain, Snowdon, in the heart of Wales. A tremendous effort saw students complete it in just three hours, a saving grace as they hit stand-still traffic in Cheshire, knocking them off schedule.

Their second Peak, Scafell Pike in the Lake District, proved to be the toughest, not only were they challenged with walking through the night, but visibility was poor and students and staff found themselves having to Micro Navigate most of the way up the mountain. After some exceptional teamwork and navigation, the team reached the summit at 10.08 p.m.

Year 13 student, Will Holmes, said: “The Three Peaks Challenge was an amazing experience, it was harder than the 45 miles Ten Tors challenge but because of our teamwork and support from our dedicated teachers, it was exhilarating to finish just within our 24 hour target. We have spent so much time in the mountains, on Dartmoor and other difficult terrains, that we are delighted that we are going to be able to donate to England and Wales Mountain Rescue.”

Driving through the night the team then arrived at the foot of Ben Nevis, their final challenge, with just five hours to reach the summit and scale back down. In a tremendous effort they made it to the summit by 9 a.m., but that left them only two hours to get back down almost 1,300m to the finish point. In two teams they set off running to make sure they did their sponsors proud.

The first team finished with 31 minutes to spare and in a most impressive dash the second team managed to descend with just five minutes to spare.

Head of Sixth Form, Mark Bridges, said “I couldn’t have been more proud of our students. It’s an amazing achievement and really showcases their drive, determination and resilience. Every student overcame their own personal grievances over the 24 hours, from blisters to asthma and aching muscles.

“I really believe it is activities and opportunities like this that help shape a young person. If my children turn out with half the drive and enthusiasm of these students, I will be incredibly proud.”