Year 5 Pupil Walks the Pennine Way to Raise Over £3,000 for Great Ormond Street Hospital

Over the Easter holidays, Year 5 pupil Layla R. took on an incredible personal challenge — walking the full length of the Pennine Way, from the north of England all the way to Scotland, to raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital. Walking 268 miles over 15 days, she has raised over £3,000 for the children’s charity, motivated by a deep desire to support seriously ill children and their families.

Layla was inspired by a conversation during her LAMDA lessons, where she learned that J.M. Barrie, author of Peter Pan, donated royalties from the story to Great Ormond Street. This spark of inspiration led her to plan a family walking adventure with a difference — and a purpose. She completed the route alongside her mum and dad, and was joined for one day by her teacher, Miss Wolfenden, who shared part of the journey with her.

The walk spanned challenging terrain — up and down hills, across remote countryside, and often through difficult weather. “The first few days were cold and wet,” Layla said, “but then it warmed up and we were lucky with the weather most days.” One of the wettest moments came while walking alongside Hadrian’s Wall, but that didn’t stop her progress.

Staying in a mix of hostels, hotels, and even a quirky Hobbit Hut, Layla and her family embraced the spirit of adventure. Early starts became part of the daily rhythm — typically at 6am, and even 4am on the final day — all driven by Layla’s determination to keep going. “I always said to my parents, ‘We haven’t done it yet,’” she explained. “I just kept going.”

Layla shared some favourite moments, including meeting local wildlife, stroking a horse, and picking up a lamb. While the route was quiet and she didn’t see many other children, the journey brought powerful moments of connection with nature and purpose. “I kept thinking about the children in hospital,” she said. “It’s hard for them every day. That helped me keep going when it got tough.”

No stranger to fundraising, Layla previously supported the Red Cross Three Peaks Challenge and is already thinking about her next big idea — something “bigger and better” and definitely in support of another charity.

Layla's Year 5 teacher, Miss Wolfenden, said: “Layla showed incredible resilience and compassion — values we strive to instil in every girl at St Mary’s. Her story is a powerful reminder that no one is too young to make a real difference.”

In her own words, Layla proudly says: “I made it.”