The Laurel: Oliver climbs new heights

Life-saving missions of the Children’s Air Ambulance were boosted by £1,700 after a student from The Laurel Academy took on the Three Peaks Challenge.

Oliver, with mum Tracy, completed the 26-mile walk across the summits of Ingleborough, Whernside and Pen Y Ghent in under 12 hours.

Oliver discovered a love for the great outdoors and wanted to put his new-found interest in hiking to use to support a charity, so he chose the Children’s Air Ambulance.

“I really enjoyed the challenge and knowing that the money we raised is going to help poorly children is really special,” Oliver said.

“The sense of achievement that I had at the top of the last peak was massive and it’s made me think about my challenge for next year – the national three peaks. I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has sponsored us. It really spurred us on to complete the challenge for this lifesaving service.”

Tracy said: “I’m incredibly proud of Oliver.

“It was a very hot day which presented us with some additional challenges, but we pushed through and, with lots of perseverance, and a few tears, we completed all 26 miles at over 6,000 metres of elevation.”

The charity receives no Government funding so relies on dedicated fundraisers like Oliver to keep the helicopters flying and saving lives.

Oliver began his fundraising journey by signing up to become a member of #TheCrew – an exciting children’s club linked to the Children’s Air Ambulance, where they can learn about saving lives, helicopters, medicine, fundraising and how a charity works.

It is free to join #TheCrew and once signed up members receive a fabulous welcome pack.

“We would like to say a big thank you to Oliver and his mum for completing this amazing challenge to help to raise vital funds for the lifesaving children’s charity,” said TCAA Youth Development Manager, Anoushka Brown.

The Laurel Academy is proud of Oliver’s commitment and achievement and wish him well in his future adventures.