Grenville pupils at Churcher's Senior School have completed a new challenge 'The Grenville Ascent' which saw 35 students ascend the Science Block staircase 35 times in one hour, the equivalent height of Mount Everest! Mr Jon Seaton, Head of Grenville oversaw the climb on Monday 11 May, which raised money for 'Student Minds' a charity chosen by Lauren Hill (25) who is attempting to raise funds and reach Everest Base Camp in the autumn of 2026. Our congratulations goes to all those who participated in the challenge, and in particular to Grenville 2nd Year Eddie who climbed the Science Block 50 times in 50 minutes! Mr Seaton was particularly happy with the event commenting that 'There were lots of smiling, if slightly red, faces at the end of the challenge.' If you would like to contribute to the Grenville Ascent, please follow the link here: Grenville Ascent

Lauren, who continues to fundraise for Student Minds by setting herself various challenges throughout the year has a goal of raising £4,380 minimum for the charity. She recently completed a 'Walk Home for Easter' which encompassed 47km per day for 3 days from the University of Bath to her home - the equivalent of over 3 marathons! Lauren describes the walk as 'a very tough challenge, much more mentally than physically challenging! I managed to raise over £800 from the challenge and had lots of supporters during the walk.' Despite her struggle with 2 injuries she says that she was carried along by friends and family who walked alongside her at certain points. 'It was so much fun and definitely not an easy challenge. I learned a lot about myself, after thinking I would give up in the morning of the second day, to feeling motivated by the 3rd, which just proved the extent of the mental battle.'

Lauren now has plans to complete the 24 hour '3 peaks challenge' and promises to keep us updated with her progress.