Every five years, the Aysgarth community embark on a journey to raise money through a walking challenge from Aysgarth to Aysgarth School, known affectionately as the Big Walk. A distance of 16 miles. In 2019, our collective spirit soared as over 250 individuals participated, and our efforts yielded an impressive £36,326 in support of the RNIB.

This year, on Sunday, 12th May 2024, we prepare to surpass our previous achievements with even greater vigour and determination. The Big Walk isn't just a mere stroll; it's a testament to our unwavering commitment to our community and those in need.

We've chosen to support not just one, but two remarkable charities, both of which are deeply connected to two of our present pupils. By rallying behind Changing Faces and The Yorkshire Vikings visually impaired cricket, we hope you will lace up your walking shoes. We have created two JustGiving pages for this event. Please donate to Changing Faces on this page and to The Yorkshire Vikings Visually impaired cricket here.

Jago is a pupil at Aysgarth School who was born with a capillary malformation birthmark, covering the left side of his face. In March this year, Jago undertook his 35th operation at Great Ormond St Hospital, to keep his birthmark healthy. Jago has been going back and forth from hospital since the age of 6 months, but this has not stopped him from going on to achieve great things in life! Jago feels that the support he has received from Changing Faces has been invaluable to him. The charity has provided Jago and his family with the support and counselling he has needed to transition into school, and to support him growing up with a visible difference and the challenges this presents.

We are proud to support Changing Faces, the UK’s leading charity for everyone with a scar, mark or condition on their face or body. The charity was founded in 1992 by James Partridge OBE, who sustained severe burns in a car fire when he was 18 years old. The charity provides psychological support for people with visible differences, including disfigurements, by providing advice, information, counselling, and workshops across the UK.

To learn more about Changing Faces, please click here.