A fitness manager from Academy Leisure Sawtry is undertaking a 130km virtual climb to raise funds for a school in India that educates underprivileged children.
The centre is part of Meridian Trust, a multi-academy trust, and manager Jack Clarke is supporting the vision of Galaxy Gurukul, a school providing access to education for marginalised children in Madhyamgram, Kolkata, India.
Galaxy Gurukul, founded by Vikash and Madhurita Jayaswal of the Galaxy Group, currently has a capacity for 300 primary-aged children. The school would like to expand this to 600, offering education opportunities to an additional 300 secondary-aged children.
Alongside its ambitions to provide more children with an education, the school would also like to develop vital facilities such as a computer lab, a library, a pantry/canteen, and, if possible, a small playground. To support this expansion, significant funds need to be raised.
In November, the Jayaswal family, from Peterborough, parents Vikash and Madhurita, and their two children Tarannum (14), and Vivaan (10), will be embarking on a 14-day gruelling trek to the Everest Base Camp in Nepal.
Preparations and training are currently underway in the UK, with the family already scaling 10 peaks, including Mt Snowdon in Wales and several Peak Challenges in the Peak District – a total of five million steps in the last three months.
As part of their commitment to making a difference, Meridian Trust is taking philanthropy to new heights, both literally and figuratively.
Jack, who met Vikash eight years ago after he approached him for personal training, has pledged his support in a remarkable show of solidarity by undertaking a virtual climb of Mount Everest on a stair master machine, totalling 44,250 steps within a 13-hour window.
This feat is scheduled for October 6 and aims to draw attention to the charity efforts of the Jayaswal family and raise awareness about Galaxy Gurukul's vital mission. Following both the virtual and real-world treks, Jack will be visiting the school this December.
Jack said: "This is not just about reaching the top of Everest; it's about reaching the hearts and minds of these children who deserve a brighter future. I'm honoured to represent Meridian Trust in supporting Galaxy Gurukul's incredible mission."
In addition to Jack's virtual climb, Meridian Trust will be providing a donation of refurbished IT equipment to the school. This will provide essential resources to enhance the school’s educational programs and empower its students to thrive in the digital age, epitomising the Trust’s value of ‘Achievement For All’.
Vikash Jayaswal, director of The Galaxy Group and Galaxy Gurukul, expressed his gratitude for Meridian Trust's support, saying: "We are overwhelmed by the generosity and commitment of Meridian Trust and the support of Jack.
"Their contribution will be instrumental in realising our vision for Galaxy Gurukul and improving the lives of countless children.”
For more information about Galaxy Gurukul, and the current fundraiser visit: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/vikash-jayaswal
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