As the Academy we are constructing is part funded by the Church of England Diocese of Manchester our site team decided to raise some funds for one of their projects.  The Academy already had historical links to schools in Namibia which we have decided to re-activate.

The idea of a sponsored walk was discussed and a walk across Morecambe Bay was suggested both for the novelty (only possible with The Queens Guide) but also because it is flat and not too taxing on the older members of the team.

The team decided that it would be too easy and not enough of a challenge, the alternative decided on was The Three Peaks Challenge in the Yorkshire Dales - 26 miles, 1500metres of ascent and a walk of about 12 hours.

To give a feel for the severity of this challenge a practice walk took place on 13 March around and up Pendle Hill, 13 miles and 700 metres of climb, roughly half the distance and climb. We started in rain but the weather improved as the day went on, with brilliant sunshine and fantastic views from the top of Pendle Hill.

We could see the peaks of Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside & Ingleborough to our North where the main walk will take place. They looked very high!!

The photograph shows us on the top of Pendle Hill from L-R, Alan MacDonald his wife and dog (Spectra Scaffolding), Chris Jones (son of Phil), Ryan Huzar, Colin Leek, Andy Ellis, Steve Ellis (son of Andy), Stafford Neild, Martin Walsh, Holly Brunt, Sam Diamond, Pat Mondino, Phil Jones & Holly’s dog.

We will be having another practice in 3-4 weeks time in preparation for the big walk on Saturday 14 May. The Principal and some teachers are joining us for the next practice and the main walk.

Participants will be asking for sponsorship over the next few weeks.  Ciaron O’Connor, Tom Brady & Mike Doveaston had excuses for the practice but are fully committed to the main walk.
Please dig deep for this worthwhile charity.