OUR Deputy Headteacher has enlisted the help of his running club to remember the victims of the Manchester attack by climbing Pendle Hill.
Haslingden High School’s Deputy Headteacher Russell Clarke is also a member of Clayton Harriers and he is planning the marathon climb from Friday June 9 starting at 4pm to Sunday June 11 finishing at 5.30pm.
He said: “We had 32 of our students who attended the Ariana Grande Concert at Manchester Arena on the Monday.
“My role in school is care, guidance and support and it has been an unimaginably difficult week for the students and their families as we have tried to support them in any way we can.
“What happened has affected individuals in many different ways and we hope that the money raised can help them through this traumatic time.
“This is our way of playing a small part in raising money for support for those who attended the concert and for their families.
“All money raised will go directly to the We Heart Manchester Fund and we hope it is used to help anyone who needs support, now or in the future.”
Already he has had eight volunteers who will be climbing the hill 22 times each and he is looking for more people to get involved.
Mr Clarke said: “I was going to run 22 miles for 22 days, I have done the London Marathon three times, completed a 63 mile ultra, the Yorkshire three peaks and part of a group of 6 that currently hold the team record for the national three peaks and felt that it was something I could do.
“With the help of an experienced fell runner and event organiser Garry Wilkinson the event it evolved and became 22 climbs of Pendle Hill; I did a practice and managed three consecutive climbs in two hours.
“Garry suggested getting sponsorship from businesses of £100 a leg and we are inviting everyone to get involved, runners, families and anyone who want to help raise money.
“Monday’s incident has affected so many people, from school children to grandparents and those from all walks of life.
“It has been amazing to see the united response from the local, national and global community and this is our way of showing our support.”
All participants will be responsible for themselves as there are no marshals. Each leg will begin from the Pendle Inn in Barley, BB12 9JX. The publicans have very kindly offered their support and their car park will be the base.
To get involved please like the Facebook page We Heart MCR Pendle 22 Challenge