Fundraising students go the extra miles

ANNABELLE PATERSON reports on the latest form to support the school's chosen charity Blueprint for All, formerly the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust, which works with young people from disadvantaged backgrounds

THIRTY Year 7 Ripon Grammar School students let their feet do the talking as they determined to go the extra mile in a charity challenge which saw them smash an ambitious long-distance walking target.

Design technology teacher Mrs Stevenson and her form 1C boldly aimed to walk 217 miles in a week - one mile a day each - but went on to exceed their target by more than 63 miles, with one student alone completing an impressive 17 miles!

As the most recent form to support the school’s chosen charity Blueprint for All, Mrs Stevenson said her students rose to the challenge in brilliant style: “1C have not only met their target but surpassed it!”

The pupils had mapped out their own routes, she added: “I am very proud of their efforts and pleased that so many students enjoyed completing their mileage too. And a special well done to Josh Risby, who contributed a whopping 17 miles towards the form’s total.”

Josh explains he is a keen walker and enjoys trekking around Hackfall Woods near Grewelthorpe. He has also cycled regularly during lockdown and particularly enjoyed walking alongside local rivers.

Another student Meave Gardner, whose routes are illustrated below, said she enjoyed the peacefulness gained from walking outside. Meave and classmate James Allan also captured some of the stunning scenes they came across on their walks in the photographs, below.

Mrs Stevenson went on to explain how she and her students gained from both the mental and physical benefits of exercise, pointing to expert advice that even a brisk ten-minute walk can clear your mind and help you relax. She also hopes the challenge the form set themselves and the motivation they found to support Blueprint for All will help encourage further activity.

The proud form tutor concluded: “I am pleased to say that 1C's challenge has raised a good sum of money for the charity too! Well done 1C! You are fabulous!”

*If you too think 1C are amazing please follow the link to their fund-raising page https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ripon-grammar-school3. Please apply Gift Aid where possible.

Some photographs and routes from 1C pupils James and Meave's walks, below: