Reaching New Heights

In April 2026, 20 LWC parents, staff and Sternians took on the first UK-based LWC Fundraising Challenge.

 

They were tasked with trekking 30 miles across the rugged terrain of the Yorkshire Dales in aid of the transformative Lord Wandsworth Foundation.

   

Along the way , they would summit the National Park’s three highest peaks. LWC’s Philanthropy Manager, Fran Reid, kept a record of this remarkable journey:

 

Day One – “Fuelled by coffee, bacon butties and a healthy mix of excitable energy, the LWC Adventurers set off on the long coach journey north from LWC’s campus in Long Sutton. Upon arrival in Ingleton – a picturesque village described as the ‘Gateway to the Dales,’ we were greeted by our fantastic mountain leaders, Andy, James, Steve and Lee.

 

“Settling into the youth hostel brought the first challenge of the weekend: negotiating who would sleep in the top bunks! After a hearty spaghetti bolognese and a team briefing, we enjoyed a lively workshop on the art of walking with poles – who knew it was a skill that so few of us could master?”

   

Day Two – “We began the day with a 16-mile trek ahead of us. Alarms were set for a 6am breakfast, before the coach took us to the beginning of the famous Three Peaks route. The sun was already beating down as we set off, climbing steadily up Pen-y-Ghent. By mid-morning, we had reached the summit, where layers were shed and sunscreen urgently applied. Our descent was slow, as we stepped aside for a stream of 1000 marathon runners with whom we’d unexpectedly collided.  We observed them charging uphill on fresh legs, only to thunder back down again half an hour later!

 

“Lunch at 2pm was a glorious sight: the support van stocked with water, sandwiches and Jelly Babies. Spirits (and blood sugar levels) were instantly restored, whilst hot feet were cooled in a nearby stream.

 

“The afternoon brought stunning views beneath the Ribblehead Viaduct, before the long, relentless climb up Whernside (the tallest of the peaks). By now, the sun was fierce, legs were heavy and we were all forced to dig deep. But true to form, the team reached the summit smiling, before tackling the steep meander down into the valley and to our waiting coach. It had been a gruelling ten-hour day on the trail and it wasn’t long after supper that the hostel fell silent, as everyone collapsed into bed.”

 

 

Day Three –  “A luxurious 9am start was greeted with universal delight. We eased into the day with the beautiful Ingleton Waterfalls Trail, enjoying cooler temperatures than the previous day and spectacular scenery.

 

“The final challenge still lay before us with 2,372ft of Ingleborough. A burst of rain on the climb did little to dampen spirits, though and reaching the third and final summit felt all the sweeter for it. After a team photo and much congratulating each other upon reaching our goal, we began the long trek back into Ingleton (marching straight through the doors of the local pub for a few cold beers along the way).

 

“We were welcomed at the hostel with champagne, medals and the most glorious hot showers we’ve probably ever experienced. Celebrations continued with a pub supper, emotional speeches, and huge amounts of laughter before we crawled into our beds, tired but triumphant.”

   

Day Four – “Most of us slept the night’s celebrations away on the coach journey back to Hampshire. We arrived back at LWC just in time for afternoon tea and cake. Fond farewells and a few tears were shed as this remarkable group of trekkers (and now firm friends) said their goodbyes, with a promise to meet up soon and sign up to the next LWC Fundraising Challenge.

 

“The Yorkshire Three Peaks was an incredible experience: tough, tiring, occasionally painful and yet worth every single step.

 

“Above all, this was a weekend defined by a shared sense of achievement, camaraderie, friendship and a collective commitment to support the Lord Wandsworth Foundation.

 

“It was an LWC Challenge at its very best: bound for adventure and rooted in philanthropy. Together, the team has already raised almost £23,000 in sponsorship for The Lord Wandsworth Foundation — proof that when good people come together, they can achieve remarkable things for a truly worthwhile cause.”

 

If you would like to get involved in the next LWC Fundraising Challenge, contact the LWC Philanthropy Team.