STAFF from York's special primary school climbed the gruelling Yorkshire Three Peaks to raise funds for their Year 6 residential.

The colleagues, who all work at Hob Moor Oaks School completed the trek on a Saturday, meeting at the school, which is part of Ebor Academy Trust, at 4.30am

Those taking part were Lucy Froggatt, Gemma Scoreby, Caroline Anderson, Karen Fowler, Hayley Wilkinson, Liz Lomas, Susan Crow, Sarah Taylor, Emma Smith, Millie Wilson, Dan Walmsley, Jenni Payne, and Ian Wilson who did the driving.

Lucy said: “We set off on the walk at 6.40am, reaching the first peak, Pen-y-ghent, with 12 happy staff. We then walked a long distance to get to the bottom of the second peak, Whernside, where we met our fantastic driver, who had driven to ensure we all refuelled and didn’t have to carry as much kit throughout the walk. A 15-minute lunch stop and we were under strict instructions by our leader to pack up and continue. All 12 got to the top of the second peak, a few more tired legs and feet compared to the first, but all smiles again at the top.

“Back down we went to meet the bus once again and now only the final peak, Ingleborough, stood in our way. It was the hardest, especially as we had tired legs, but we made it at 6pm in the evening having walked for 11 hours already. We then walked down and had a long slog to get back to the starting point, walking in the dark until we were met with open arms at 8.20pm.”

Lucy said the teamwork and support shown from everyone throughout the walk was incredible. She said: “There were moments where giving up was an option, but remembering who we were walking for gave us the motivation to just keep going. The fundraising total currently sits at £2,620 with more still coming in. Thank you to everyone who has supported us so far.”

Go to justgiving.com/crowdfunding/hobmooroaksyear6residential