Students and staff from William Howard School participated in a charity challenge on Saturday, July 5, setting out to raise funds for the Great North Air Ambulance. The challenge involved fourteen students and seven staff members running a demanding 30-mile route along Hadrian’s Wall, starting from Chesters Fort near Chollerford and finishing at the school in Brampton.
So far, the Mountain Runners have been successful in their fundraising efforts, accumulating £1,480 through their JustGiving page. Headteacher Kath Pigdon, who leads the Mountain Runners, also took part in the challenging run. She expressed immense pride in the students’ performance, stating, “Running 30 miles across Hadrian’s Wall is no small feat, and every single participant showed outstanding resilience, determination and team spirit throughout.”
Pigdon praised the event as a powerful reminder of the potential of young people when they set their minds on a goal, all while supporting a significant cause. The day was made even more enjoyable with the assistance of staff members Mr. Mallinson and Mrs. McGaffin, who provided refreshments and energy-boosting snacks during the run. The encouragement from parents along the route added to the experience, with cheers and applause motivating the runners at various rest stops.
Notably, nine students, including four from Year Seven, completed the full distance of 31.4 miles, while others managed to achieve personal milestones of 25 miles, 20 miles, and 9 miles. Year 10 student Katie Smith shared her enthusiasm, stating, “I really enjoyed the chance to challenge myself, and there was lots of fun and excitement along the way.”
Looking ahead, William Howard School will welcome a representative from the Great North Air Ambulance on July 15 to further acknowledge the contributions made by the Mountain Runners. Support for their fundraising initiative remains open, inviting others to contribute to this worthy cause. This event not only highlights the spirit of teamwork and community involvement but also sets a positive example of how young individuals can impact their community.