29 Challengers and a youth group of 13 took on the YMCA Scafell Summits Trek last weekend, climbing the highest peak in England and raising a total of £9,114 through fundraising sponsorship.
Stuart Kingsley, Family Services and Youth Work Manager & Deputy Head of Children and Young People for YMCA East Surrey, said:
“The young people who took on this event range in age from 13 and 16 and were representative of our Horley, Redhill, Merstham and Tadworth Youth Clubs. Eight of the group had already joined us on a trip to Snowdon but we brushed up on some walking training, map training and using a compass to help the young people before we took on the 3,208 feet climb. Huge thanks Stripey Stork for their brilliant support in providing walking boots!”
“Despite some horror at there only being one bar of reception at the top of Scafell Pike, the young people embraced the challenge and everyone completed the climb. The group were outstanding. They all supported each other in getting up the mountain – we walked 9.42 miles and climb 1,000 metres. Now we’re looking forward to the next one. The young people asked if we could go to Ben Nevis next year!”
Luke, aged 15, said:
“I loved this trip and I am going to hang my medal next to my Snowdon one!”
The two groups travelled in minibuses to the Lake District on Friday 21st June. Led by experienced hill walkers, they chose between three walk options, dependent on experience and ability, for an exhausting but rewarding day of hill walking in stunning scenery.
The challengers, including two residents from YMCA Hillbrook House (YMCA East Surrey’s secure and affordable accommodation for young homeless people), stayed at YHA Borrowdale. The youth service group had two nights at YHA Honister.
Ian Burks, Chief Executive of YMCA East Surrey, said:
“As if climbing the peaks wasn’t going to be enough of a challenge for some, on Friday afternoon 11 people took on an extra challenge and completed the Infinity Bridge walk at Honister Slate Mine.”
“Fortunately, the weather was kind over the weekend and everyone was pleased with their achievements. There have been some amazing fundraising contributions and I’d like to thank everyone who took part, raised money, donated or gave up their time to support the event – staff and volunteers alike.”
Notable fundraisers to date are Annie Fawcett (£2,071.60), Kate Holah (£718.75), Ros Boyle (£650), Sameera Bedi (£569.12) and Lauren Turner (£544.36).
All money raised will go toward the charity’s Life Change Fund. YMCA East Surrey is shortly opening a new move-on accommodation for six young people in Redhill. It aims to raise £100k through challenge events towards refurbishment costs as well as furniture for individual bedrooms and communal areas.
