SIX-year-old twins Harry and Isla Ratcliffe climbed the height of Mount Everest to raise money for their local children’s hospice.
The determined duo, from Chorley, completed the virtual Mount Everest challenge over a period of 4 weeks raising over £700 for Derian House Children’s Hospice.
The St. Georges Primary School pupils embarked on a virtual journey from the Everest base camp to the top of the world’s highest peak as they wanted to do something to help others this Christmas.
Harry and Isla faced dark nights running after school and endured the cold, winter weather riding their bikes on the weekends. Even Storm Arwen and Storm Barra couldn’t stop the plucky pair from finishing the 40 miles required to complete the challenge.
The twins were keen to raise money for a cause that helps children, they said: “We wanted to raise money for Derian House because we are very grateful and lucky to be healthy but some children have problems which mean they have shorter lives.
“We want to help them have happy memories and fun but also help the families because it must be very difficult for them too.”
Derian House Children’s Hospice, based in Chorley, looks after 450 babies, children and young people with life-limiting illnesses from across the North West.
The charity offers respite and end-of-life care, with services including hydrotherapy, sensory, and wellbeing services for the whole family.
Kerry Salmon, Community Fundraiser at Derian House said: “We are so inspired by Harry and Isla’s commitment to their Everest challenge. Virtually reaching the top of the world’s highest mountain is an amazing achievement that they should both be very proud of!
“After braving the winter weather, the twins have definitely earned their place on Santa’s nice list and the money they have raised will help us to continue to care for the children and young people who need us most, not just at Christmas but the whole year through.”
The care provided at Derian House is free for families, but services cost £5million to run every year. With only 12 per cent of funding coming from the government, the charity relies heavily on the generosity of its supporters.
You can sponsor Harry and Isla’s virtual Mount Everest challenge here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Harry-Isla-challenge
