Students smash fundraising record!

For over a quarter-century, our annual Coast 2 Coast Challenge has tested the grit and determination of a group of Year 10 students. This year's team, made up of Lily, Isla, Mia, Daniel, Jack, Charlie, Sophia, Krish, James, Will, and Ella, not only conquered the gruelling 170-mile relay from St Bees in Cumbria to Robin Hood's Bay in North Yorkshire, but also shattered the fundraising record.

During May half term, following an intense 16-week training programme, the team completed the challenge in an incredible 26 hours and 42 minutes; battling not only the distance but also the elements, facing some of the wettest weather the challenge has ever seen. Detours added an additional 14 miles to their already monumental trek, a testament to their unwavering spirit. 

Over the years, the Coast 2 Coast Challenge has raised over £100,000 for charitable causes. This year, the team surpassed all expectations, smashing the fundraising record with a staggering £8,40 for Beat, the UK's eating disorder charity.

Prior to the team’s departure they had already raised over £7,000 and Anna from the Beat Fundraising Team shared this message: “We wanted to say a massive thank you for the funds you have raised for Beat. So far, your total fundraised has surpassed £7,000! What an amazing amount that will help so many people get support for their eating disorder, take their first steps to recovery and change lives. As an example of how your hard work will help those affected by eating disorders, the money you have raised could fund the running of online peer support groups every day for 14 weeks! That’s over 3 months of support for people to connect with peers going through the same thing, share their experiences and feel understood.”

Mr. Anderson, Head of WGS, said, “I am immensely proud of our students. Their determination, resilience, and teamwork have not only seen them complete one of the toughest challenges but also raise a record-breaking amount for a cause that is incredibly important. They are an inspiration to us all.”

A huge thank you to our incredible staff support team: Mr French, Mrs Harris, Mrs Dyer, Mr Johnson, Dr Bradley, Mrs Powell, Mr Humphreys, Mr Anderson and Mr Martin, and to the friends and family members who supported the team through to the finish line.  A special mention to Mr Johnson, for whom this was his final Coast 2 Coast Challenge, after being a crucial member of the staff team (and walking A-Z) since the event began in the year 2000. We thank Mr Johnson for his unwavering service to the event and he will be sorely missed on future challenges.

Many thanks to this year’s sponsors: Tony Davies & Partner LLP, RMW Electrical Services Ltd., The Blakemore Foundation, Premier Sports, Holroyd Howe, St Bees School and the WGS Friends for their support.