Elstree School raises £19,741.42 for the Charlie Waller Trust in Beacons of Light Challenge
On 8th August 2024, 20 Elstree staff, four governors and one dog embarked on a
long-distance hike in the Brecon Beacons to raise funds the Charlie Waller Trust.
Charlie Waller was a former Elstree pupil, and a great friend to many of the Elstree community. Charlie took his own life at the age of 28 in September 1997 and since then, the Charlie Waller Trust has become one of the most respected UK mental health charities, educating young people about their mental health and wellbeing. Its vision is of a world where people understand and talk openly about mental health, where young people and those who support them are equipped to maintain and enhance their mental health and wellbeing and have the confidence to seek help when they need it.
With mental health and wellbeing at the forefront of Elstree’s ethos, it meant so much to the Elstree team to support the Charlie Waller Trust. The challenge took part in truly horrendous weather, with wind and rain lashing down on the team from the very start and mercifully stopping just as they approached the end of their hike. The team traversed the famous ‘Four Peaks’ of Fan-y-Big, Cribyn, Pen-y-Fan and Corn Du. There were steep climbs that certainly got hearts racing and long descents that punished knees and ankles, but everyone remained full of chatter and cheer, buoyed by strength in numbers - and good company - as they hiked 27.9km in 7 hours and 54 minutes.
This was a fantastic team challenge for a truly great cause. Every single member of the team contributed with positivity and humour; they will share wonderful memories of a very wet, challenging and fun walk and will take great pride in having raised over £19,741.42* for the Charlie Waller Trust.
On Thursday 26 th September, Mr and Mrs Inglis were joined by the Beacons of Life team and a full cohort of Governors to welcome Charlie’s parents, Sir Mark and Lady Rachel Waller, into Elstree to receive the final cheque. This special moment was made all the more poignant as it coincided with the unveiling of Elstree’s new wellbeing space – ‘The Snug’. Nestled in the quiet sanctuary of the Sunley Rooms, The Snug is a safe haven for children in need of a moment of quiet reflection or seeking out a listening ear in times of anxiety.
Elstree School is so delighted to have been able to contribute to The Charlie WallerTrust. The Beacons of Light challenge was a wonderful demonstration of the Elstree staff spirit and the subsequent opening of ‘The Snug’ represents our commitment to supporting each other and the children who join us, encouraging all to be aware of their mental health and wellbeing and to always remember to ask for help when needed.
October 2024