Team to trek up a trio of mountains

INTREPID (from left): Lee Folkard, Richard Deakin, Amanda Prescott, parent governor, Michael Kelly, Stephanie Mills, Andrew Ryan and Stephen Webb.

IT’S best foot forward for staff at Failsworth School who are swopping books for walking boots for the Three Peaks Challenge.

A team of 22 teachers and staff, plus staff from Failsworth Soccer Centre and members of the Sai Martial Arts club in Rochdale, are preparing for the gruelling charity hike in June.

The group will climb the three highest peaks in Britain — Snowdon in Wales, Scafell Pike in England, and Ben Nevis in Scotland — all within 24 hours.

Organiser Michael Kelly, integrated services co-ordinator for Failsworth School, said he helped organise the team following a chat with friends about the challenge.

He said: “We held our first practice walk recently. Some team members found it easy, for others it was a reality check as to how hard it is going to be.”

Training routines and monthly hikes are now part of the preparation for the event, which will see them hike 25 miles, climb 10,000 feet and travel 450 miles between the three countries.

James Longdin, Failsworth Soccer Centre assistant, said “Although I play football on a regular basis and maintain my physical fitness, I have never done a challenge like this before.

“We are really getting into the spirit of this event and a few of the staff at Failsworth Soccer Centre are even organising their own hikes.”

The team has decided to raise money for the school’s chosen charities — Cancer Research UK and the World Wildlife Fund. The team will also be supporting Brierfields Care Home in Failsworth.

Mr Kelly said: “We are a specialist sports college so its a good thing that pupils can see staff take up a physical challenge.

“We haven’t set a target on how much we want to raise but we are working to raise a good amount.”

The Three Peaks Challenge takes place on June 6 and 7.

Donations can be made at the receptions of Failsworth School and Failsworth Soccer Centre, both in Brierley Avenue.

For more information call 0161-688 3900.