Pupils and staff at a North Yorkshire School have paid the ultimate tribute to one of their former classmates who died of cancer in 2022, by taking on the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge.
Nine sixth formers from Northallerton School were joined by teachers Anna Cox and Tom Bunn in walking 24 miles in tribute to treasured former Northallerton School pupil Grace Sanderson, who was just 16 years old when she died in October 2022.
Each of the participants took on the circular route on Sunday (April 14), which included 1,585m (5,200ft) of ascent and the peaks of Ingleborough, Whernside, and Pen-y-ghent, all within 12 hours.
Despite the strains of the challenge, this charity effort was part of raising money for a memorial garden at the school to Grace.
Images of the Northallerton School Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge for Grace:
The 16-year-old, who was a student there, died in October 2022, seven months after being diagnosed with leukaemia.
"This is the last fundraiser at the school that our current year 13s will do in memory of Grace," said Mr Bunn. "They have already raised a significant amount of money for the Teenage Cancer Trust over the past 18 months in Grace's memory and they would like to leave something behind at the school as a tribute to their dear friend."
This Yorkshire Three Peaks effort began as a determined effort to secure sponsorship and donations through the school's parent pay system on the school's website but quickly turned into several charity efforts since Grace's death.
Throughout the charity efforts, organisers of getting the commemorative garden for Grace have had "unwavering support from the school community," according to Northallerton School.
Read more:
- Drunken Darlington thug threatened to stab his partner and crash lorry into her home
- 'Our children deserve better': Study finds inequality in rates of children in care
- Two school pupils taken to hospital after 'using vape' as police investigate
Sarah Riley, head of art at the school, has said that the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge was the perfect tribute to Grace, given that the 16-year-old had an "adventurous spirit and zest for life."
Overall, those who took on the charity effort surpassed expectations and managed to raise an impressive £2907.
However, their journey is far from over. With a target of £5000, they continue to appeal for support from all those touched by Grace's kindness and spirit.
Donations to the fund can be made via the school's online ParentPayShop page – the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge section can be found by scrolling to the very bottom of the page. Click here
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here