Save the Children Walk

In heavy rain and high winds, hardy pupils, staff and their families took part in the annual Save the Children fundraising walk on Sunday morning. Kitted out warmly in wellies and raincoats, or in running shorts and trainers, over 300 determined walkers and runners set off bright and early to complete the picturesque but rain-drenched route through the muddy Somerset countryside to raise money for this inspirational charity.

The annual walk comprises two routes; a shorter 5 mile walk for younger pupils and a longer 10 mile walk for senior school pupils. It covers a tough climb up the Ebbor Gorge, and provides views from the Mendip Hills across the Somerset Levels – this year they were rather shrouded in mist! The walk is truly a whole School event, with pupils from Year 1 right through to Upper Sixth A-level students taking part this year. Even Old Wellensians returned to Wells to take part before they head off to university at the start of October. The youngest participant was Alfie Roberts, a member of the Haversham ‘family’, just two years old, and proudly dressed in bright red wellies and coat for his first attempt at the route. Particular credit goes to Old Wellensian Bruce Fang tied to Upper Sixth pupil Danni Woodnutt, and Lower Sixth pupils Amelia Lawson tied to June Rippon, who all managed a slippery 10 mile route three legged and are still friends!

This wonderful community fundraising event, organised by Deputy Head Pastoral, Martin Ashton and his team of hard working and dedicated volunteers, takes place in the centenary year of Save the Children. This year the School is aiming to raise £5,000 for some of the charity’s most urgent appeals: for children in the war zones of Yemen and Syria and those affected by the recent cyclones in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi. 

Martin said, “A huge thank you to everyone for the team effort today. Thanks so much to those who prepared the route, road crossed, refreshed, registered, signed route cards, catered and walked. 
“One of the highlights for the walkers was a cup of hot chocolate at Checkpoint 2 thanks to the creativity of Chris Dine and Katie Martin, and South Horrington received guests that they were not expecting – map reading will join our co-curricular programme next year…”