Updated on
As if sitting your A levels isn’t stressful enough, a group of friends from Prestatyn High School are in training to take on an endurance challenge as soon as their exams finish.
The six friends, Matteo Evans-Ford (18), Menula Hewage (18), Joshua Nield (17), Jake Orger (17), Isuru De Silva Wijeyaratna (19) and Callum Welch (18) will be swapping their pencil cases for back-packs, and are aiming to complete the Three Peaks Challenge in 72 hours, just a week after their final exams.
They plan to climb Ben Nevis on 24 June, Scafell Pike on 25 June and Snowdon on 26 June. In preparation for the challenge, they are being put through their paces by dad and retired Army officer, Shaun Nield MBE, who served with the Royal Artillery, and has experience of organising expeditions during his time in the armed forces. As well as creating some amazing memories, before they all go on to different chapters, they are planning on raising as much money as possible to support our veterans.
Shaun explained, “They asked me if I could help and I couldn’t say no. As parents, we’re all really proud of them for wanting to do something like this for such a brilliant cause. This is an extraordinary undertaking for these young people. The Three Peaks is a physical and mental challenge for experienced hikers, let alone Sixth Form students. They aren't just testing their own limits; they are stepping up to support our nation’s wounded veterans. The determination and teamwork they are showing, balancing their final year studies with expedition preparation, is a credit not only to them but our local community”.
Training is having to fit around their revision timetables and their exams but involves getting some time in the gym to build up their strength and stamina, practice hikes carrying full backpacks with essential kit, refreshing their first aid training, as well as map-reading.
Shaun added, “Callum’s father served in the Royal Welsh. The boys all have an affinity with the armed forces, through their connections. They know about the difficulties that members of the armed forces can face after service. Their school has been great as well and is helping to raise funds towards their target of £2,000.”
We are incredibly proud of these inspirational young people for taking on such an ambitious and demanding challenge."
Head Teacher designate, for Prestatyn High School
Matteo, who is due to go to Australia on a cricket scholarship said, “I’m looking forward to spending a few days with my mates and taking on this challenge together. The biggest test will be Ben Nevis, especially if we encounter snow and harsh conditions, but worth it to raise money for the Charity”.
Mrs Claire Turner Head Teacher designate, for Prestatyn High School said, “We are incredibly proud of these inspirational young people for taking on such an ambitious and demanding challenge. Undertaking this challenge requires determination, teamwork and resilience—qualities they have demonstrated every day in school. That they have chosen to do this in support of Help for Heroes speaks volumes about their compassion and sense of social responsibility. They are outstanding role models for our whole school community, and we wish them every success as they take on this remarkable journey.”
You can follow the boys' journey on Instagram at 3 Peaks Challenge for Help for Heroes If you would like to show your support for the boys go to https://www.justgiving.com/3-peaks-challenge