As lockdown continues, and we are all still adjusting to the strange “new normal” we find ourselves in; many of our gutsy students are out thinking of innovative ways they can challenge themselves, whilst raising some money for a place they love.
Our next story comes from the O’Callaghans, a brilliant family known and loved by Artz Centre students and staff, alike. Mum, Sandra, and kids Teagan (11) Amelia (8) and Aiden (3) have all been involved in classes and projects at the Centre over the past few years, and during lockdown Sandra and her older girls took on a heroic 12-day challenge, in aid of the Centre. The Challenge itself was to walk the distance (in height) of the “Seven Summits”, the group of the world’s highest mountains: Mt Everest (Asia), Mt Aconcagua, Mt Denali, Mt Kilimanjaro, Mt Elbrus, Mt Vinson and Mt Puncak Jaya. So, in just twelve days, the girls walked a total of 62.5 miles, averaging 5-6 miles a day, around Skem and their local area.
The girls walked through all weathers throughout the twelve days (the time it usually takes to ascend just one of the seven peaks), no matter how tired they felt or what day of the week it was, they got out there and walked.
The O’Callaghan squad aimed to raise £625 for the Artz Centre through their sponsored challenge (£10 per mile) but ended up smashing their target and raising a whopping £740. I caught up with Sandra and the girls to ask how they felt about their expedition…
Claire: Hi Girls! I am so proud of you all for completing your challenge. But what gave you the idea to walk seven summits?
Sandra: Well we originally said we should walk the height of Mount Everest as it is the highest mountain in the world and our Artz Motto is to Aim High! But then I thought we would up the miles for more of a challenge – and one mountain, became seven!
Claire: Such an achievement, we are so proud! And how does it feel to be all finished? Do you miss walking each day?
Teagan: I feel proud and yes I miss walking!
Amelia: I STILL feel tired! I don’t miss walking every day though, but I do miss all the adventures that we went on.
Claire: It sure was an adventure! And you walked to so many different places. Where was your favourite place to walk to?
Teagan & Amelia: The Tawd!
Claire: And you raised sooo much money for the Centre, which is amazing. Why is the Centre important to you?
Teagan: I thought our challenge was important because I love the Centre and coming to drama so much, and I miss Joe.
Amelia: And I wanted to help to raise some money because I feel like the Artz Centre is my second home!
Claire: And we have certainly missed you both! Last of all, if you could describe your challenge in one word… what would it be?
Teagan: Fantastic!
Amelia: Tiring!
Wowee, what an achievement! Well done girls. We are so impressed with the effort put in by the O’Callaghan ladies throughout their challenge, and we hope that those feet are now having a well earned rest!
#ArtzFamily #Fundraising #ArtzLockdown #ArtzEnterprise #SponsoredWalk #SevenSummits
