On Friday 29 August, one Bedford runner will be scaling the heights of some of the UK’s highest peaks, all in aid of the Grange Academy in Kempston, which provides special needs education.
Toby Hayward will be swapping Bedfordshire’s flat roads for some of the UK’s toughest mountains in a self-made challenge that has already raised £1,500 of the £5,000 target at the time of writing.
You can donate to this epic challenge by following the designated JustGiving link here.
The challenge is called the ‘Summit for Grange’, designed by Toby and he has not held back.
In a single day, he will run and hike to the summits of some of the Lake District’s highest peaks, including Helvellyn, the third highest point in the UK before cycling over the notorious Kirkstone, Wrynose and Hardknott Passes.
A run up Scafell Pike follows, before Toby tackles the Great Gable and Kirk Fell. The entire trip covers 51 miles and a climb of 10,877 feet, which is the equivalent of climbing Snowdon more than three times in a single day without stopping.
“I designed this route to reflect the struggle I had growing up with learning difficulties,” says Toby ahead of the challenge.
“For me, life often felt like a long, hard, enduring path where the summit always seemed out of reach.
“This route symbolises that journey. It reflects the truth that even when the climb is steep and the finish feels far away, if you stay consistent and believe in yourself, you will succeed, even if it takes you longer.
“This is not just about endurance. It is about proving that the hardest challenges can be overcome and showing the students at Grange Academy that persistence and self belief can take you anywhere,” adds Toby.
“We hope to use it to buy additional fitness and sports facilities for pupils”, adds Grange Academy headteacher, Rachel Timms.
“We are delighted that Toby has chosen to be such a positive role model to pupils both in terms of physical fitness and his dedication and resilience.
“He is an excellent inspiration for our pupils and we are delighted that he has chosen to fundraise for us and look forward to hearing of Toby’s achievements.”
The fundraising link for this challenge can be found via JustGiving here.
