On 8th August a team of 22 Elstree School staff members and 5 governors will gather in Talybont, South Wales, for a dawn ‘til dusk ‘Beacons of Light’ challenge that will test their stamina, fitness, teamwork and resilience. We will be attempting a long distance hike in the Brecon Beacons which includes the famous ‘Four Peaks’, a challenging but highly rewarding adventure that involves steep climbs and traversing a number of mountain peaks, including Fan-y-Big, Cribyn, Pen-y-Fan, and Corn Du. Our challenge will start in the village of Talybont-on-Usk at sunrise and we hope to complete the challenge and return to our base in time for sunset. We will be raising money for the amazing charity, the Charlie Waller Trust, which has become one of the UK’s most respected mental health charity set up in 1997 following tragic death of Charlie Waller who took his own life at the age of 28 in September 1997. The Trust educates young people about their mental health and wellbeing,. Its vision is of a world where people understand and talk openly about mental health, where young people and those who support them are equipped to maintain and enhance their mental health and wellbeing and have the confidence to seek help when they need it.

Charlie was a pupil at Elstree and a friend of mine at Radley. The Waller family have a long association with Elstree and the staff team are delighted to be supporting a charity that is so close to the school’s heart. With the well-being and physical and mental health of staff being at the forefront of Elstree’s ethos, this challenge will also provide an opportunity for team bonding and maintaining camaraderie amongst its wonderful staff. Olivia and I are delighted that so many staff members have signed up for the challenge and training has already started. We all have a shared aim to support such an important charity with its vital work.

Any donations will be gratefully received and will definitely help spur us on during our 10-hour challenge! Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the Charlie Waller Trust. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Donors who give more than £50 will be able to predict the time taken to complete the challenge and be eligible for a magnificent magnum of Whispering Angel rose wine.

Thank you for your support.

Sid and Olivia Inglis