Wellingborough students raise hundreds completing Ben Nevis challenge

Two sixth form students from Wellingborough walked the equivalent of the height of Ben Nevis to raise money for a disability charity.

Kiera Binder and Anais Austin, both 17, decided to take part in the Queen Elizabeth's Foundation for Disabled People's 'Reach the Peak - The Big Climb', which challenged people to run, walk or climb the equivalent of one of the three famous peaks, Ben Nevis, Snowdon, and Scafell Pike.

The two friends walked 11.5 miles in one day, the equivalent of Ben Nevis' height, and raised £250.

Kiera said: "I found out about the charity when I read about Strictly Come Dancing star, Emma Barton, participating in a similar challenge for QEF.

"It was really inspiring and motivated me to do something myself, especially given the current situation that we are all in with Covid-19, as now it is much harder to volunteer to help charities."

Queen Elizabeth's Foundation for Disabled People provides advice and services to more than 6,000 disabled children and adults each year, enabling them to maximise their independence.

Kiera said: "As current health and social care students in our last year of sixth form, we have gained lots of knowledge about different types of organisations who support people with different needs, and what it is like to work or volunteer in and around these sectors.

"It has really highlighted how important individual charities such as QEF are to the community. The work that QEF do is so crucial as it improves the quality of life for the people they support, empowering them and promoting their independence which can make them feel more involved with everyday life."

The girls completed their challenge on September 29 and Anais said: "My favourite part of the challenge was being outdoors. It was so nice to be out in the countryside as it makes a massive difference from being inside most of the time.

"Another favourite part of mine was getting the donations from people as it makes me very happy to see people being kind and helping others through this wonderful cause."

Jolene Ryan, events development executive at QEF said: "It's so impressive to see two young people give up their time to partake in challenges such as this and want to give back.

"They have both done an amazing job so far and raised a brilliant £250."

You can still donate to Kiera and Anais at their Just Giving page available here.

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