Reaching new heights

Pupils face abseil challenge in support of Rainbows Hospice

We’re incredibly proud of the 13 boys who abseiled down Derby Cathedral on Saturday 3 October to raise funds for Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People – a Loughborough-based charity that provides children with life-threatening and life-shortening conditions and their families with a place where they can find care and support.

The pupils faced their fears to complete a 212ft descent down the historic Cathedral, raising over £3,500 through donations, helping Rainbows continue its vital work across the East Midlands.

Neeam, Year 8, who took on the challenge, reflected: “I was the very first person over the edge, so I had absolutely no idea what to expect – especially with a crowd already gathering on the pavement below! Looking down after climbing 190 narrow steps was terrifying, but I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone to raise money for Rainbows Hospice. Stepping off that ledge was one of the scariest things I’ve ever done, but as I went down, my fear turned into confidence and fun. Knowing it was for such a vital cause made it completely worth it and I am incredibly proud to have raised £1,029.”

It was fantastic to see so many of our pupils take on the abseil challenge in support of Rainbows Children’s Hospice. They showed incredible bravery on the day and their dedication to fundraising highlights their sense of social responsibility. Everyone at Loughborough Grammar School is incredibly proud of just how much they have fundraised.

Helena McDowell, Charities Coordinator at Loughborough Grammar School

As one of Rainbows’ flagship fundraising events, participants in the abseil challenge help to make a big impact in their local community. Claire Hoggan, Senior Events Officer at Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People, said: “We are incredibly grateful to the boys at Loughborough Grammar School for taking on this challenge. Their bravery in facing their fears, combined with their dedication to fundraising, will make a real difference to the children and families we support.”

At Loughborough Grammar School, service to the community is as essential part of pupil development and last year, our school community contributed over 7,000 hours of volunteering. Every boy is encouraged to take part in some form of volunteering to help them understand the impact they can make beyond the classroom and become kind, capable and outward-looking individuals.

Specific parental permissions have been obtained for the use of this image on the School’s social media and website.