Manx Three Peaks Challenge Raises £14,500

Almost 100 participants walked 15 miles in a fundraising event organised by The Children’s Centre, in collaboration with University College Isle of Man (UCM).

The sun was shining for the walk, which required participants to hike from sea level in Ramsey to the summit North Barrule, Snaefell and Beinn-y-Phott and back to sea level in Laxey.

(Ms.) Kate Berguist, Employability & Skills Coordinator at UCM first proposed the idea to her Employability and Skills students who were tasked to run an annual fundraising project. The students were excited to be involved in a challenging event, and chose to partner with the Children Centre, and to raise money to refurbish their barn into a safe tech-learning environment.

As some members of the group have previously benefited from the Children’s Centre’s services in the past, this was a way for them to give back and show additional support for the charity. Refurbishments are due to be completed before 1st September 2020.

Kate explained, “We are so pleased to support our students and partner with the Children’s Centre in this project; it is not only a great way for students to learn critical skills such as researching, collaborating, planning and problem solving, but also a way for them to build community awareness and create a positive impact in the community. The £14,500 raised will really make a difference to the Children’s Centre barn refurbishment.”

The challenge involved up to six hours of walking, and saw participants utilise their orienteering abilities to navigate their way across the 15-mile route, which required strenuous climbs across uneven terrain and muddy footpaths.

Joff Whitten, Head of The Children’s Centre said “It was such a lovely day, brilliantly put together by the team and so very well attended by the brilliant Manx community. So many walkers in such brilliant spirits, and the students from UCM were fab. It was a joy to be part of.”

“More importantly though, the project is raising money towards a new learning space for us at the Children’s Centre, helping young people investigate and explore cutting edge technologies. This space will become even more significant as the global pandemic continues – we work with so many children and young people who are isolated, both before and during the lockdown. Computers and games become ways to interact with others. Having a space here at the farm to explore such technologies and then gradually persuade young people to go outside to help on the farm will have such an impact on their health and wellbeing,” Joff added.