Fundraising for Comic Relief, an indomitable squad from William Howard School completed gruelling distances in cycling, running and swimming during an Ironman challenge on Saturday 21 March. Thankfully, the team of staff, students and friends were blessed with glorious blue skies to match their team T‑shirts.
Eight cyclists, fronted by Headteacher Ms Pigdon, took on an epic 112‑mile journey from Edinburgh to Brampton. Starting from the Midlothian Ski Centre just outside Edinburgh, the route was adapted to avoid the busiest roads. After navigating a busy first stretch, the riders’ spirits lifted as they hit the scenic cycleway between Innerleithen and Peebles – their first stop, 18 miles in.
Their route continued on through Traquair and towards St Mary’s Loch, where spectacular views – and Mrs Bouch’s famous caramel shortbread – boosted morale further. A sunny descent past the Grey Mare’s Tail led the team to Moffat for a welcome fish‑and‑chip break before pushing through the increasingly tough later miles.
Despite fading light, a puncture, and a headwind, the riders pressed on through Gretna, across the Solway, and into Carlisle, complete with a Proclaimers sing‑along. A final stop in Rickerby Park set them up for the last stretch. After more than 16 hours, the team arrived back at school to cheers, celebrating a memorable challenge full of teamwork, resilience, and laughter.
Meanwhile, a marathon running team of eleven, led by Mr Spriggs, covered 26.2 miles on a picturesque route around local lanes via Hayton, Wetheral, Cumwhitton and Talkin. Six runners completed the full marathon distance, with many exceeding their expectations. The heat of the day added to the challenge, but incredibly, two runners – Miss Mulholland and Sixth Form student Max Foster – completed their first ever full marathon distance.
Ms Ledger’s dedicated team of ten swimmers plunged themselves into the challenge at the Sands Centre in Carlisle, where they collectively swam an impressive 11.81 miles. Miss Carruthers and Miss Inglesfield smashed their targets with 140 and 120 lengths respectively, accounting for at least four of the total miles.
Participants were very grateful for the support of Mr and Mrs Bouch, Caidyn, Mr Conolly and Mrs Giecco, who provided invaluable assistance throughout the day.
Mr Spriggs remarked: “I think today showed what a group can do together. Everyone encouraging each other, everyone helping each other, people pushing their boundaries, achieving things they had no idea they could achieve.”
Plans for next year – WHS’s third Iron Man Challenge – are already underway!
There’s still time to support their efforts. If you’d like to, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/whs-staff-ironman-challenge?utm_medium=FA&utm_source=CL Thank you!
Comic Relief supports vital projects and organisations making a difference for people across the UK and around the world. Any donation you can make will genuinely help – whether by providing shelter, putting food on plates, stocking baby banks, offering someone to talk to or giving someone a safe place to be. All contributions go towards supporting those facing poverty and injustice both in the UK and globally.
