Grasmere school pupils tackle Lake District mountain climb

Staff and children at Grasmere School and Nursery climbed to the top of Loughrigg to raise money for St Mary's Hospice, based in Ulverston.

They will also be supporting the Grasmere Women's Institute, who partly inspired the fundraiser with their own recent charitable activity.

For some of the younger kids, they needed a helping hand that was always made available (Image: Grasmere School and Nursery)

Headteacher Johanna Goode said: "Grasmere WI have been raising money for St Mary’s Hospice all year by ‘stepping’ - we were inspired to join their challenge, and so we’ve been stepping too, twice a day. 

"As a grand finale to our stepping, we decided that we would aim to get the whole school up a mountain."

The school set themselves a target of raising £1,500 and, at the time of writing, they were on the cusp of reaching that goal.

It was a two and a half mile journey from the school - and a nearly 1000 feet climb (Image: Grasmere School and Nursery)

"It’s two and a half miles, and 984 feet of ascent, between our school and the top of Loughrigg," Mrs Goode explained.

"On the way there are steps the height of small legs, and some expanses of rock which younger children needed hands and feet to clamber up - so it was a good challenge."

To get the very top, it was a lesson for the children in teamwork, lending a helping hand whenever the climb became steep.

The climb was done to support St Mary's Hospice - and the kids were very much on brand (Image: Grasmere School and Nursery)

"We were determined that everyone would be both safe and happy, so older partners had to boost the younger children’s spirits,  as well as ensuring that they were safe - it was wonderful teamwork, and we were very proud of them," said Mrs Goode.

"We have a great team of parents, governors and other friends of the school, who came along to add encouragement. 

"A great day was had by all, and they are delighted with the amount of sponsorship they have raised through our JustGiving page."

At the end of the climb, some were needing a good rest (Image: Grasmere School and Nursery)

You can find and donate to the fundraising page here.