A team of more than 20 students from the University of Bath have run the distance between four of the main peaks in the Alps during lockdown in response to raise crucial funds for the NSPCC.
Starting from the highest peak in the Alps, Mont Blanc in France, and moving across to Monte Rosa in Italy, followed by Grossglockner in Austria, then onto Zugspitze in Germany, the group finished their mountainous challenge back at Mont Blanc.
The students tag-teamed the distance – an exhausting 960km – running across local nature trails.
To date, they have raised more than £1,200 with the total continuing to rise on their JustGiving page.
“We decided to do this fundraising incentive because the NSPCC is a vital service, particularly now in these uncertain times,” said James Smith, president of snow sports at the University of Bath.
“One in five children in the UK have suffered abuse or neglect and we believe that figure will rise during this pandemic, so we wanted to do everything we could to raise as much money as possible.
“That’s why we set ourselves such a big challenge – we’re thrilled we exceeded our target of £1000.”
The NSPCC relies on public support for 90% of its funding and launched a ‘We’re still here for children’ emergency appeal to raise vital funds to support children and families across the UK.
Caroline Morgan, NSPCC Supporter Fundraising Manager for the region, said: “It’s amazing to see students taking the time out to support us and they really have gone above and beyond.
“The money they have raised will go towards funding vital services like Childline, which is needed now more than ever to support the thousands of Childline who have spoken to our counsellors about issues surrounding this pandemic since January.
“It is an excellent example of successful virtual fundraising and I hope more people will be inspired by their efforts.”
Since the start of January, Childline has delivered nearly 7,000 counselling sessions to children and young people who have got in touch about Coronavirus.
Childline counsellors have been on the frontline, adapting to the ever-changing situation to support children who are struggling with their mental health or are at risk from abuse or neglect.
Every week since lockdown Childline has delivered over 2,000 counselling sessions with children concerned about their mental health and emotional wellbeing – totalling nearly 17,000 over seven weeks.
To find out more about how you can fundraise for, or donate to, the NSPCC visit: www.nspcc.org.uk/what-you-can-do/make-a-donation.
Any adult concerned about the welfare of a child or young person can call the NSPCC helpline for free and confidential advice on 0808 800 5000 or visit nspcc.org.uk.
Children can contact Childline for free on 0800 11 11 or childline.org.uk 365 days a year, and speak to a counsellor about a worry or concern they may have.