MOVING MOUNTAINS FOR OUR PLAYGROUND: The St Nicholas 3 Peaks Challenge 2026

"It's just a playground." Or is it?

Imagine a world where you can’t play. Where the ground is uneven and unsafe for your wheelchair. Where the swings don’t support you. Where the noise and chaos of a standard playground is overwhelming and frightening.

For over 300 children at St Nicholas Special School in Canterbury, this isn’t imagination. It’s reality.

To most of us, a playground is just tarmac and equipment. But for a child with profound, severe, and complex learning needs, a playground is a lifeline. It is an outdoor classroom. It is the only place where they can safely explore their senses, build physical strength, and—most importantly—just be children.

Right now, that lifeline is breaking. Our school playground is tired, worn, and unsuitable for the complex needs of our students. We have a vision to rebuild it into a safe, accessible, and sensory-rich sanctuary, but we need to raise £100,000 to make it happen.

The Challenge: The National 3 Peaks

We decided that if our children can face their daily challenges with such resilience and determination, we can push ourselves to the limit for them.

On May 22nd, 2026, a team of 30 volunteers—comprising parents, staff, and friends of the school—will attempt one of the UK’s toughest endurance events.

We are aiming to climb the highest mountains in Scotland, England, and Wales within just 24 hours.

🏔️ Ben Nevis (1,345m)

🏔️ Scafell Pike (978m)

🏔️ Snowdon (1,085m)

This involves climbing over 3,000 metres (that’s higher than 30 Big Bens stacked on top of each other), walking 23 miles, and enduring 462 miles of driving—all on little to no sleep.

How Your Donation Helps

We have set a target to raise £20,000 through this event. This amount will kickstart the renovation project and get us 20% of the way to our total goal.

Transparency on Funds We are committed to running a safe and successful challenge. To make this possible, we have had to secure professional Mountain Leaders and transport. Therefore, please note that a small portion of the funds raised will go towards the essential running costs of the event.

However, the vast majority of every pound you donate goes directly to the St Nicholas PTFA to fund the playground project.

By supporting us, you aren't just sponsoring a climb; you are building a future of play, learning, and joy for children who need it most.

Please dig deep and help us move mountains.

Thank you!

Friends of St Nicholas Special School PTFA (Charity No. 277551)