Last week, 620 pupils embarked on a challenging climb up Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the Britain. This remarkable effort was not just about conquering a mountain, it was a mission to raise funds for St Andrew’s Hospice, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist palliative care to individuals living with life-limiting illnesses. The pupils’ determination and community spirit resulted in impressive donations for the hospice with the challenge currently on track to raise over £85,000.

Climbing Ben Nevis is no small feat. The mountain presents a formidable challenge even for seasoned hikers. For the pupils, most of whom were climbing it for the first time, the journey was made even more challenging by the unusually bad weather for June, with rain, wind, and cold temperatures adding to the difficulty. Despite these conditions, the pupils pressed on and reached 3000ft.

Recognising the scale of the challenge, Lees of Scotland stepped in to offer their support and provided a much-needed morale boost with our sweat treats.

Supporting St Andrew’s Hospice and other local charities will remain a cornerstone of our efforts. The hospice’s work is invaluable, providing specialist palliative care and support to individuals and families during the most challenging times.

By participating in this climb and raising a significant amount of money, the pupils have made a huge difference.