Features / Domestic Abuse
Cotham nurseries raise money by climbing the equivalent of Mount Everest
Staff at two Cotham nurseries have been raising money for a domestic abuse charity by climbing the height of Mount Everest at their pre school.
Woodland and Archfield House Nurseries initially joined forces to offer care to the children of essential key workers, but staff have decided to challenge themselves and climb the height of Mount Everest, 52,000 steps, while in lockdown.
With the widely reported increase in domestic abuse during the pandemic, staff at the nurseries are raising money for Refuge, a national charity supporting those affected by domestic violence and abuse.
is needed now More than ever
The fundraiser is in response to the fact that, for some, lockdown means living with an abusive person and being even more isolated from loved ones.
https://www.facebook.com/archfieldhousenursery/videos/2757818901155727/
Refuge has seen a 700 per cent increase in visits to its website and the number of calls to the National Domestic Abuse helpline, run by Refuge, was 25 per cent above average in the second week of lockdown and 49 per cent higher than normal after three weeks.
Sandra Horley, chief executive of Refuge, said the need for funding had “never been greater”.
To raise money for the charity, the staff are tackling the 52,000 steps by walking the Archfield House Nursery stairs, which has 52 steps. They are attempting to climb the flight 1,000 times in ten working days, while still offering support and care for the children at the nursery.
https://www.facebook.com/archfieldhousenursery/videos/167427764526016/?v=167427764526016
“Any of you who have walked from the very bottom of Archfield to the very top will know that it feels like a mountain in itself,” says Cassie Holland, Archfield’s nursery manager.
“The support we have received from our families as well as the wider community has been outstanding; we have raised over £2,700 so far,” Cassie says. “But we are still striving to highlight Refuge’s imperative work across the country.”
Donate to the fundraiser at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/woodfieldtackleeverest
Main image: From Archfield House Nursery and Pre School’s video
Read more: North Bristol primary school raises money to help Malawi’s coronavirus response
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