Walsall school staff take on Three Peaks Challenge for The Oscar Mile

Thirty members of staff from Ryders Hayes School are preparing to take on the iconic Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge on March 21, following weeks of dedicated training walks across Staffordshire.

The team has completed three training walks in recent months, gradually building distance and endurance in preparation for the 24-mile challenge, which includes climbing Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough within 12 hours.

Their final training walk took place at Cannock Chase, where 18 staff members covered an impressive 15.5 miles in warm spring sunshine. The walk marked the culmination of a structured training programme designed to prepare the wider team of 30 for the physical demands of the Yorkshire peaks.

Earlier walks across local countryside and woodland routes steadily increased in distance and terrain difficulty, strengthening both stamina and team spirit.

The challenge is about more than endurance. Staff are raising funds in support of The Oscar Mile - a campaign to build a Daily Mile track in memory of Oscar. The track will provide a lasting legacy for pupils, promoting physical wellbeing and outdoor activity for generations of children.

Ryders Hayes staff power through Cannock Chase during their final 15.5-mile training walk, building endurance for the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge to raise funds for the Oscar Mile.

A staff member (Mr Rylance) from Ryders Hayes said: “These training walks have brought our staff together in an incredible way. There’s been laughter, encouragement and real determination at every stage. We’re taking on the Three Peaks not just as a physical challenge, but to make a lasting difference for our children through The Oscar Mile, which is close to everyone’s heart.”