Year 7 students get to grips with 27th Everest Challenge

Starting yesterday and continuing until Saturday, teams of children and adults will attempt to make enough ascents of the Baubigny school climbing wall to reach a total of 8,848 metres, equivalent to the height of Mount Everest.

Over £24,900 was raised last year, which enabled Le Murier students to benefit from and enjoy trips to Lihou Island, Devon, Wales and Jersey, as well as local camping and in-school residentials. £4,000 of that figure was raised by St Sampson’s High pupils alone.

Head of house and PHSCE at St Sampson’s, Emily Tostevin, said that over half the school’s pupils will be taking part this year.

‘One student alone has raised £70 and two together have raised £185,’ she said.

‘Each penny raised this year will get the children’s group houses one point, so they are competing not just in raising the most money, but also to see who can get the most house points.

‘It is all just about house pride, there is a trophy at the end but when it comes to charitable events it really is just about who can raise the most money.’

The representative for Jethou house, Aleigha Skillett, 15, said she was taking part to show team spirit.

‘As house captain I run the house and help get on with some of the bits and bobs, but I thought it would be good take part to help support my team,’ she said.

‘I think that is probably the most important part, showing that we are doing it together.’

Edie Spurrier-Mapp, 12, said she had taken on the challenge to help conquer a fear.

‘I wanted to take part in the Everest Challenge as it is raising money for charity and I am scared of heights,’ she said.

‘I have done the small wall so far, it was scary but it has helped me a bit.’

The total raised by the pupils yesterday was £1,693.

n There are still some places left for the Saturday climbing sessions, interested teams should contact Le Murier on 01481 246660 or through office@lemurier.sch.gg