Brothers to be lifted to top of Stoodley Pike

Thirteen-year-old Andrew Greenwood and his brother Nathan, 12, of Phoenix Court, Todmorden, will be carried and lifted to Stoodley Pike by Calder Valley Search and Rescue Team (CVSRT) - in a special Aim Higher mission to help raise money towards equipping a new sixth form and community centre for Nathan’s Halifax school.

On April 26, the brothers will be accompanied by parents Joanne and Eldred, family, friends and Ravenscliffe High School staff and students as they take part in the Ravenscliffe@SpringHall challenge - to raise money towards the £500k needed to equip the school’s new sixth form with specially adapted equipment needed to teach 11-19-year-olds with special educational needs.

Nathan and Andrew’s parents Joanne and Eldred have embraced the aspirational Aim Higher challenge which their two disabled sons will take on.

They say their sons were really excited on a recent visit to the life-saving emegency service’s Mytholmroyd base.

Eldred said: “The whole Calderdale Search and Rescue Team made us feel very welcome and at ease. All members of the team were amazing with the boys and we have every faith in their knowledge and handling of our boys.

“Nathan didn’t stop smiling and was up for anything the team wanted to try.”

Joanne said: “The challenge is something we never thought would be possible - it’s tough enough for able-bodied people. The fact that Calderdale Search and Rescue Team are going to make this happen is wonderful and we’re touched to be a part of it.”

CVSRT member and organiser of Aim Higher, Mick Smith, said: “The aim of the meeting was to familiarise the boys with us and the equipment. We will rope lift them either internally or externally to the viewing platform of Stoodley Pike. Ravenscliffe is a brilliant cause which promotes achievement and always aims higher.”

A video of the boys challenge will play at Copley Cricket Club, Copley, from 4pm, on April 26.