Father and son tackle Five Peaks Challenge for Nepal Earthquake Appeal

September 8, 2015

Scafell England FlagA selfless schoolboy has tackled the demanding Five Peaks Challenge to raise more than £5,700 for victims of the Nepal earthquakes.

Jamie, from Monmouth School, and his dad Alun, 50, climbed Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, Snowdon, Slieve Donard and Carrauntoohil in just eight days.

With relatively little hiking experience, the dedicated pair scaled an incredible 17,400 ft in total – almost the same height as Everest Base Camp.

Jamie, 15, said: “I saw the really upsetting pictures on the television earlier this year of Nepal and the devastation caused by earthquakes there.

Snowdon Wales Flag

“I was moved to do something to help. Apart from the thousands of people who died, the infrastructure of the whole country was destroyed, leaving so many people with nothing.

“It seems it will take years to get these poor people back on their feet.

“Knowing I have made a difference means a huge amount to me.

“I have raised just over £5,700 for the people of Nepal to date, and I have been humbled by everybody’s generosity.” The inspirational teenager and his father navigated tough terrain and braved horrendous weather to complete the mammoth task.

“The climbs were really difficult, but more for my dad than me!” Jamie added.

“It wasn’t just the climbing though, it was travelling from one mountain to the next that was very difficult, and took a lot of planning.

“Ben Nevis was the hardest, as it was the highest and longest walk, with the worst weather.

“It was an eight-hour round trip and I was really tired by the time we reached the top. By the end, my feet and knees were in a lot of pain!”

Jamie&Alun

But the hard work definitely paid off for the resilient duo.

“The sense of achievement was fantastic,” Jamie continued.

“I’ve never done anything like this before.

“I’m so grateful to everyone – those who contributed have made a huge difference.

“The School has been so generous and helpful, and a big thanks has to go to my teacher, Mrs Wynne Lord, who has been fantastic.”

Dr Andrew Daniel, Headmaster of Monmouth School, said: “Everyone at Monmouth School is incredibly proud of Jamie for successfully taking on this gargantuan challenge to help the people of Nepal.

“He has set a shining example for all of his peers – hard work, determination, and kindness can make a real difference in the world.

“Jamie’s friends and teachers have all been inspired by his selflessness.

“The School has always been dedicated to charity work, and all of our boys know how vital it is to help people less fortunate than themselves.

“Next year, a group of pupils, including Jamie, will be travelling to India.

“During the trip they will be taking on some charity work to help some of the country’s poorer communities, and we’re sure this will be a life-changing experience for them.”

Click here to donate to Jamie’s fund.