STAFF from Middleton-in-Teesdale Primary School took part in a sponsored walk High Force to Tan Hill, a distance of 22 miles, to raise funds towards a school defibrillator.
The walk started bright and early at 6.15am and took just over eight hours walking time to complete, with a short stop for lunch at Blackton Reservoir.
In the main, the weather was dry except for a couple of short showers just after lunch.
Refreshments and a quick comfort break, together with words of encouragement, were kindly provided by the Stevenson & Dent family at Lunedale.
On reaching Tan Hill, walkers were welcomed by staff members past and present and enjoyed refreshments, a well-earned rest and reflected on what they had achieved.
They had thoroughly enjoyed each other’s company and shared many giggles and laughs.
Staff were dropped off at High Force by family members, however, return transport from Tan Hill was kindly provided, free of charge, by Upper Teesdale Agricultural Support Services’ (UTASS) minibus.
Just as the school provides a place for pupils to learn, it is equally as important that the school ensures children and staff are cared for in the rare event that they suffer a cardiac arrest.
In a cardiac arrest, a person’s chance of survival decreases by approximately ten per cent for every minute that the person goes with CPR and a defibrillating shock. The sooner they receive CPR and a defibrillating shock, the more likely they are to survive. A defibrillator costs about £1,000.
The final amount raised is still being counted, however, should anyone wish to donate to this cause, please contact Alison in the school office.
Alison Brown
