Highfield and Brookham Year 6 student climbs Snowden

To coincide with this month’s World Mental Health Day, Matilda, a Year 6 student at Highfield and Brookham Schools in Liphook, took on the challenge of climbing Snowden as part of a Three Peaks Challenge, raising an amazing £820 for charity.

Matilda was climbing to raise money for Young Minds Trust, the UK’s leading charity fighting to ensure a better future for young minds. The charity is spearheading the fight for a future where all young minds are supported and empowered, whatever the challenges. Their aim is to make sure children and young people get the best possible mental health support and have the resilience to overcome life’s difficulties.

Matilda loves going on long walks and always has done. She also talks non-stop and going for a walk with her parents is always an opportunity for them to find out what is going on in hers and her brother’s life, good or bad. After reading Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls and loving the quote by Audrey Hepburn “As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others,” Matilda decided to combine walking and talking, and go on a challenge walk while being able to talk and talk! As her father, Luke, said when they finished the climb “3560 feet, 3560 questions – but we made it!”

Climbing up the Ranger’s Path and coming down the Miner’s Path, Matilda and her father completed the challenge in a fantastic 7 hours, 20 minutes. They also had time for a refreshing swim in a fresh water lake!

In a few weeks, Matilda will be presenting an assembly on her adventures to her peers at Highfield and Brookham Schools to inspire them to also participate in similar challenges.

Matilda said, “I love walking with my family. It is a time I can tell them all about my week, my news, my worries and what makes me tick. I believe all kids should be able to talk about their feelings and have the support there if things are not going well and life is not being kind. By climbing Snowdon with my Daddy this year, and then Ben Nevis and Snaefell in 2020, I want to raise money for Young Minds so all kids get the best possible mental health support and can walk and talk just like me and be happy.”

There is still time to sponsor Matilda and help her raise money for Young Minds Trust at justgiving.com/fundraising/matildakauntze

To find out more about the charity and the work they do visit youngminds.org.uk

To find out more about Highfield and Brookham Schools visit highfieldandbrookham.co.uk