The headmaster of Elstree School in Berkshire has organised a Heads Up Challenge charity initiative to raise awareness and funds for mental health charity Place2Be. The Royal Patron of the charity is HRH Duchess of Cambridge.
Sid Inglis persuaded 20 other prep school heads to participate in an endurance event in Pembrokeshire at the end of August, involving a 3-mile sea kayak, 50-mile bike ride and 12-mile hike (or run) in one day. So far, they have raised over £90,000.
Inglis said: “The idea and planning for the challenge started about two years ago in the middle of the summer holidays. I did some research on the Heads Together campaign, which aims to generate positive change in the national conversation on mental health. I thought that I could gather some ‘heads together’ to raise money for this important cause.
“Sitting under the Heads Together umbrella is Place2be, which is a fantastic charity that supports children’s mental health, emotional resilience and wellbeing. Their vision is for all children to have the vital support they need to help them build life-long coping skills, and thrive.
“Every school has the mental health of their pupils and staff at the heart of everything they do. As heads, we know it’s very important to tackle the stigmas associated with mental health issues head on, and act now to help provide support.
“We are incredibly grateful to our sponsors Featherstone Partners, and to our hosts Preseli Venture.”
He added: “Being head of a busy school can be a lonely job and to have the opportunity to spend some quality time with like-minded people, while completing a challenge of this sort was very rewarding and truly memorable.
“Everyone has agreed that they have entered the new academic year with renewed energy, vigour and enthusiasm.”
You can still donate at: www.justgiving.com/companyteams/HeadsUpforPlace2Be
