FRIENDS, family, staff and pupils of Ingleton Primary School have together raised more than £3,000 by walking, swimming and running  in support of a hospital that helped one of its own on the road to recovery.

Teacher, Rachel Clements daughter Izzy, was involved in a car accident in November last year and is recovering after receiving expert care at the Rakehead Neurorehabilitation Centre, at Burnley General Hospital, which helps people rebuild their lives after life-altering illness and injury.

In support of Izzy and her family, the school community embraced fundraising in aid of ELHT&Me, the official charity of East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, and has so far raised nearly £3,300 towards the buying of specialist equipment to support the work of the rehabilitation centre.

The collaborative effort from students, families, and staff has been nothing short of extraordinary, says the charity. In the summer, the school's parent teacher association organised its own version of the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge, with pupils and their families challenged to climb one, two, or all three of the peaks over the summer.

A highlight was when one of Mrs Clement's classes together reached the top of Whernside, the highest of the three peaks, ahead of Ingleborough and Penyghent, and adorned the summit with prayer flags in Izzy's honour. In addition, Lottie, one of the youngest, managed all three peaks in a single weekend.

A team of staff members also completed the challenge in a day despite gales, rain, fog, and sunshine.

Pupils Ethan and Lucy both took on the junior Great North swim and the junior Great North run, alongside their headteacher, Jo Colledge, who completed the Great North Run.

Teacher, Andrea Jackson and Jenny Ward, vice chair of governors, swam the length of Coniston Lake - some 5.25 miles - to raise funds for ELHT&Me too - motivated by witnessing Izzy's relentless efforts in her rehabilitation.

Izzy is now continuing her rehabilitation at home, while her mother, Rachel gets back to work at the school.

Denise Gee, head of charity at ELHT&Me, said: “The school community stands as a shining example of unity and resilience, reminding us all of the power of collective compassion and determination in times of adversity.

"We thank them all for supporting their local hospital charity, choosing to dedicate these funds for Rakehead and we wish Izzy the very best for the future as she continues her rehabilitation surrounded by incredible people.”