Exmouth teachers take on Three Peaks Challenge for local charity

Staff from Exmouth Community College will take on the 'Three Peaks Challenge' on Saturday 31 July next month to raise money for Exmouth-based mental health charity RV-ONE.

Head of Post-16 Rachel Wright and Pastoral Assistant Lucy Burch will climb the three highest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales in just 24 hours. Their total walking distance will be 23 miles (37km) and the total ascent as they climb Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis will be 3,064 metres (10,052ft).

Money raised from the challenge will go to RV-ONE, an Exmouth charity that provides a safe platform for local people to talk about and discuss their mental health, through functional fitness, creativity and adventure. The charity will put the money towards the purchase of fitness equipment, stand-up paddleboards and other outdoor sporting equipment that the community and their families can use.

Rachel said: "Working with teenagers on a daily basis, I witness first-hand the pressures they face living in a digital world. Success is often viewed on the number of 'likes', rather than working hard and achieving personal targets and challenges.

"Even though they live here, many young adults have never experienced the incredible surroundings that Exmouth has to offer and the wonders it can do for their mental health and wellbeing. I want to help change this; we want to show our students that they can achieve anything they put their mind to, through hard work and dedication.

"We are incredibly lucky to have a charity like RV-ONE in Exmouth, as it offers such an amazing service for the local community. We're really excited to do the Three Peaks Challenge for them and help raise funds to support their work and their aim of being there to support young adults."

Lucy said: "I really enjoy working within Post-16 and helping students develop into well-rounded individuals that go on to achieve great things.

"My role is very rewarding, though it can be upsetting when I see students struggle with their mental health. Over that last year in particular, I have seen a huge increase in the number of young people being affected and this is why I am really passionate about raising money for RV-ONE.

"Knowing that all the money raised will go towards helping, not only our students, but the local community too will be the motivation to keep going during the challenge.

"I have struggled with my own mental health since my teens, where I suffered from anorexia and had a really negative image of myself.

"It's not been an easy journey to change my mindset and get back to better health, but keeping active; playing netball, football and working out has really helped, plus having the support of friends and family too.

"I can't wait to take on the Three Peaks Challenge and raise more money for RV-ONE to help others in similar situations."

Rachel and Lucy have spent the last few months training hard for their ultimate challenge with long walks, cross-country running and weightlifting sessions to ensure total fitness.

To support their efforts and RV-ONE by donating, click here and select 'Team ECC'.