Carnforth school takes on ‘exercise’ challenge to help wellbeing and raise money for charity

Staff and students at Carnforth High School have been undertaking a challenge to help their wellbeing while raising money for two local charities.
Aiden Oldfield-Whalley completing his marathon.Aiden Oldfield-Whalley completing his marathon.
Aiden Oldfield-Whalley completing his marathon.

All students and staff were set the challenge to cover a ‘target’ distance over the half-term holiday, with the aim of improving wellbeing while raising money for two local charities, Bendrigg Trust and Lancashire MIND.

Libby Carey 7N completing her Ultra marathon

One fearless Year 7 student decided to walk the distance of an ultra marathon, walking every day in the most brutal weather conditions, with a longest walk of a very hilly 8.3 miles.

Libby Carey completing her ultra marathon.Libby Carey completing her ultra marathon.
Libby Carey completing her ultra marathon.
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With the support of her brother Jake and her family, Libby Carey not only walked more than 50 miles but she raised £180 as well.

Emily Parr of Year 8 also completed an ultra marathon.

She said: "In half-term, I took part in the wellbeing challenge and completed an ultra marathon on my bike. That was 52.4 miles. It was pouring down with rain and it was freezing but I managed to complete this challenge in five days. I raised over £320 for Bendrigg Trust and Lancashire MIND."

Aiden Oldfield-Whalley, another Year 8 student, decided he wanted to get involved in this event.

William Miller.William Miller.
William Miller.

He said: "I chose to do the challenge as I wanted to raise as much money as possible for Bendrigg Trust, because during the lockdown and the summer holidays Bendrigg allowed my family grounds access which was superb for us.

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"In October, we also had a day of family activities which was great and talking to the staff I felt how much Bendrigg had been damaged by the lockdown.

"I wanted to challenge myself and complete the marathon distance as I walk a lot and needed to be challenged. The wet and windy weather did challenge me!"

Aiden Oldfield-Whalley from Year 8 completing his marathon

Finally, another amazing achievement was made by Amber Allington-Moore of Year 9.

Amber completed the Ultra marathon and raised £70.

She said: "I did it because it was something positive to focus on instead of being on my phone and MIND is a really good charity to raise money for as they help improve children’s mental health."

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William Miller, a Year 11 student, walked the distance of an ultra marathon and collected more than £700.

This amazing achievement was due to the generosity of the contractors and staff at Heysham 1 and Heysham 2 power stations.

Martha Wood, fundraising and marketing officer, said: “All the team at Bendrigg Trust are so very grateful to the students who are taking part in this challenge and raising such an amazing amount of money for Bendrigg Trust and MIND.

"We think it’s wonderful that the children have not only gone to such amazing efforts to fundraise, but also set themselves a challenge and pushed themselves by getting outdoors more; that’s exactly what Bendrigg is all about, achieving through adventure!

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"We’ve been working hard throughout the pandemic to provide a safe outdoor space for disabled people and their families who have been shielding for months on end and the funds raised will enable us to continue giving more people the chance to experience adventures.

"A big thank you to all the teachers and pupils from Carnforth High.”

Emma Bateson fundraising lead, said: "I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone at Carnforth High School for taking part in the half term exercise challenge. Keeping active is a really important part of looking after your mental health and wellbeing so it's great to hear that the school community have been encouraging this.

"We are delighted that the challenge has also raised funds for Lancashire Mind and we are grateful to everyone who has taken part and supported the challenge so far."

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So far, Carnforth High School has collectively covered 899.5 miles and raised £2,487.50.

They have now decided to extend this challenge throughout the lockdown period. Donations can be made by clicking here