Challenge of a Lifetime

It all began with a trek across the dramatic dunes of the Sahara, before navigating the bubbling geysers and snowy mountain paths of Iceland.

 

This April, the next LWC Fundraising Challenge is a little closer to home, with a group of LWC parents, staff and Sternians taking on the Yorkshire 3 Peaks in aid of the life-changing Lord Wandsworth Foundation.

 

The trek will take in the rugged terrain and beauty of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and former LWC parent, John Wallace, will be among the trekkers, having taken part in every one of the LWC Fundraising Challenges to date.

 

Here, he explains the lure of yet another adventure, inspired by some of his previous LWC experiences…

 

“After a 20-minute walk, we all reached the top of the sand dune. The darkness and cold were beginning to dissipate. There was absolute silence. A complete absence of any noise or other distraction. 30 LWC trekkers all waiting and watching. Each was alone with their thoughts, but not alone as a group – all pulling together when needed.

 

“Then, slowly, the sun began to appear over the dunes on the horizon. The rays gradually touching the distant peaks, wave-like in their appearance and rippling ever closer as light emerged from the darkness. Suddenly, it wasn’t so cold. It was a truly wonderful moment for all of us.

 

“Two years later and following a 20-minute walk, it started to sleet. The wind picked up, the route got narrower, steeper, slippier. Visibility had dropped and the group closed in. There was a rumble of encouragement and offers of help at pinch points, which were then accepted and passed on like batons in a relay race. True camaraderie and a memorable moment.

   

“From the gritty daytime heat of the Sahara to the bitter, snow-capped beauty of Iceland, the LWC Fundraising Challenge never disappoints. Next up are the exposed hills of Yorkshire. They are both bigger and steeper than the inclines featuring in the previous two journeys, but a new day brings a new challenge.

 

“My involvement with the LWC Fundraising Challenge began when I heard that a friend was doing the Sahara trek. It sounded like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, which it proved to be. I have gone on to meet a wonderful group of people through my involvement, with a number of us now preparing for our third Challenge in Yorkshire.

 

“Preparation for April’s adventure began with an initial practice walk around the route of The Beckwith, deep in LWC’s 1200 acres. Some completed the 5km route once, others looped a second time. It offered an opportunity to dip our toes in the water and meet those we were about to spend more time with over the coming months. The range of people, fitness levels and life stages was fantastic. Everyone keen to take part and contribute to the incredible work of The Lord Wandsworth Foundation. Many hands make light work. The more of us there are to raise funds for and awareness of this transformative organisation, the more lives we can impact and worlds we can widen. This is for everyone.

   

“The diverse nature of the people I have been lucky enough to meet on these trips is vast. From 20 to 70 years old. There are those for whom a marathon is a running event and those who remember it best as a chocolate bar. Never camped or youth hostelled? It doesn’t matter. Maybe you’re a veteran of both – you will still feel equally at home.

 

“We’ve named Harry Potter spells under a clear desert sky and bathed in an Icelandic river whilst it snowed. We’ve listened to the stories of Foundationers at LWC, whilst eagerly awaiting to hear the amount we had raised (£125K over the two trips). It has always been a fantastic experience that I have been privileged to be part of.

 

“One of the highlights of both trips has been the last night’s supper. It’s always a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the previous day’s exertions, to cement and build on new friendships and to reflect on what has been achieved. There is an abundance of stories featuring mishaps, anecdotes and ‘what if’ moments! I have no doubt there will be more to come from our Yorkshire adventure.

 

“I have been fortunate to trek the Sahara with my son, Iceland with my wife and in total, some 50 other wonderful people who mostly all began as strangers but finished as friends. No one has any regrets. There may be a few blisters, but these are easily outweighed by new friendships, a sense of accomplishment and achievement.”

 

If you would like to join us for the next adventure, the LWC Yorkshire 3 Peaks Fundraising Challenge takes place on 24^th-27^th April 2026. You can find more information here. Contact LWC’s Philanthropy Manager, Fran Reid for details on how to sign up.