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School raises £19k in Beacons of Light Challenge for Newbury youth mental health charity




An Upper Woolhampton school has raised more than £19,741.42 after completing a challenging charity walk for a Newbury youth mental health charity.

In August, a team of 20 Elstree staff, four governors and one dog embarked on a long-distance hike in the Brecon Beacons as part of the Beacons of Light Challenge to raise funds for the Charlie Waller Trust.

Elstree team hiking the long-distance trail through the Brecon Beacons for the Charlie Waller Trust
Elstree team hiking the long-distance trail through the Brecon Beacons for the Charlie Waller Trust

Charlie Waller, a former pupil at Elstree School, took his own life in September 1997 at the age of 28.

Since then, the Charlie Waller Trust has become one of the most respected UK mental health charities, educating young people about their mental health and wellbeing.

And on Thursday, September 26, headteacher Sid Inglis Inglis was joined by the Beacons of Life team and a full cohort of governors to welcome Mr Waller’s parents to receive the final cheque.

Elstree team hiking the long-distance trail through the Brecon Beacons as part of the Beacons of Light Challenge
Elstree team hiking the long-distance trail through the Brecon Beacons as part of the Beacons of Light Challenge

This special moment coincided with the unveiling of Elstree’s new wellbeing space: ‘The Snug’.

Nestled in the Sunley Rooms, The Snug is designed as a safe haven for children in need of quiet reflection or a listening ear.

“The Beacons of Light challenge was a wonderful demonstration of the Elstree staff spirit,” said a school spokesperson.

Elstree team hiking the long-distance trail through the Brecon Beacons for the Charlie Waller Trust
Elstree team hiking the long-distance trail through the Brecon Beacons for the Charlie Waller Trust

“With mental health and wellbeing at the forefront of Elstree’s ethos, it meant so much to the Elstree team to support the Charlie Waller Trust.

“The challenge took part in truly horrendous weather, with wind and rain lashing down on the team from the very start and mercifully stopping just as they approached the end of their hike.”

The team hiked 27.9km in seven hours and 54 minutes in total, traversing the famous ‘Four Peaks’ of Fan-y-Big, Cribyn, Pen-y-Fan and Corn Du.



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