In September, former professional rugby league player Ewan Dowes successfully completed the Steve Prescott National 3 Peaks Cycling Challenge to raise money for the St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation and the Steve Prescott Foundation.
“It is the toughest thing I have ever done, both physically and mentally,” Ewan said after completing the challenge.
Over the course of less than 72 hours, he cycled an incredible 450 miles and hiked up the UK’s three highest mountains.
Day 1: Snowdon – 12.2 km, 712 m ascent; Bike – 251 km, 991 m ascent
Day 2: Bike – 248 km, 1,566 m ascent; Scafell Pike – 15.4 km, 983 m ascent
Day 3: Bike – 191 km, 1,064 m ascent; Ben Nevis – 12.4 km, 1,331 m ascent
Every pound that Ewan raises personally will be matched by St. James’s Place. The matched funding will go directly to the St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation, while the funds raised by Ewan will go to the Steve Prescott Foundation’s beneficiaries: The Christie Cancer Hospital and The Rugby League Benevolent Fund.
This remarkable achievement not only provides vital support for these charities but also ensures that the legacy of the great professional rugby league footballer Steve Prescott continues to make a lasting impact.
If you would like to make a donation you can do so on Ewan’s JustGiving page HERE.This fascinating article was created by Alan Riches, great nephew of Charles Heron McDiarmid.
Alan follows the lives of Charles and his brothers through their childhood and education at Sedbergh, during their time with the family firm, McDiarmid & Co Shipping Agents of Liverpool, and in their service to their country during World War One.
As was the case in so many families, the McDiarmid boys did not emerge from the war unscathed. Alan’s detailed account includes maps, photographs and segments from newspapers following the men to the Somme and beyond.
Read the full article below:
I am pleased to inform you of an exciting change in our Senior Leadership Team. The Board of Governors has made the decision to elevate the role of Dan Harrison, Headmaster, to Executive Head. This will give him the much needed time to concentrate on strategic planning and priorities, allowing him to grow the Sedbergh Group both at home and abroad.
Mr Harrison will focus on pupil recruitment and fundraising as well as expansion opportunities in the UK and overseas, working closely with the Board of Governors. This will ensure Sedbergh remains in its strong position as it enters its next 500 years. In addition to leading on these strategic priorities, Mr Harrison will continue to lead the Senior Leadership Team at Sedbergh and Sedbergh Prep.
To support Mr Harrison in the leadership and day to day running of the Senior School, we plan to appoint a new Senior School Head, working with Odgers (a leading search firm). The search has begun for a high calibre individual; we will follow a rigorous recruiting process and ensure we select the correct person to lead the Senior School. We would expect to announce the successful candidate before Christmas with a starting date of no later than September 2026. In the meantime Mr Harrison will continue to run the School and the Group as he been doing so successfully since September 2021.
I look forward to sharing information about our new Senior School Head later in the term.
Richard Gledhill
Chair of Governors
Details of the job and how to apply can be found HERE.
Many congratulations to OS Olivia Chatterley (C 2014-21) who married Charlie Preece in a ceremony conducted in the School Chapel by the Chaplain, The Revd Paul Sweeting, on Saturday 16th August.
Olivia is the daughter of Michael and Claire Chatterley who teach at the Prep School and Olivia is herself about to commence training as a teacher. Her brother, OS Jack Chatterley (P 2014-23) was a groomsman.
The choir was conducted by OS Ella Seymour (L 2009-21) and included OS Amelia Horan (C 2016-21) and Abigail Gibbs (C 2014-21).
Celebrations continued in Olivia’s old house – Carus!
Over three days in the gruelling June heat the Headmaster, Dan Harrison, and a cohort of staff runners from the School ran an astonishing 90 miles from York to Sedbergh, retracing the steps of the School’s founder Roger Lupton who walked the route 500 years ago.
We caught up with one of the running team, Associate Director of Development Ben Collins, to find out more about this symbolic fundraising challenge.
Tell us about the route: why was it chosen, and what were some of its challenges and highlights?
The route was inspired by the pilgrimage that Roger Lupton made 500 years ago, when he walked from Sedbergh to York to be ordained as an acolyte – a person able to assist in services and clerical duties. We aimed to retrace his steps but in reverse. Obviously the lay of the land has changed somewhat over the last 500 years! So we adjusted the route to make our course running-friendly, scenic and safe.
As a team we were raising money for the Roger Lupton Scholarship and Bursary Scheme, so running in Roger Lupton’s footsteps felt especially meaningful and fitting. Along the way, the Headmaster carried a scroll with a message from King Charles III congratulating the School on its 500th, and a prayer from the Archbishop of York.
The main challenge was the sun, which blazed down on us over all three days and was energy sapping. Regular refuels were essential and made easy thanks to our brilliant support team who doled out iced towels and ice lollies from the support vehicle!
Each day we had planned a wild swimming spot to cool off – undoubtedly daily highlights. Day 1, the River Nidd near Knaresborough; Day 2, the River Wharfe near Grassington; and Day 3, the River Dee just outside of Dent.
How did you keep yourself going?
Camaraderie within the team! We all brought different characteristics to the mix. Humour, optimism, determination, focus…
On the hill ascents, we sang classic Sedbergh hymns to maintain the momentum: Hills of the North, Rejoice; Jerusalem; I Vow to Thee My Country; and of course, the School song, Winder.
Organisation was key. The route was meticulously planned so we always knew exactly where we needed to be and when. Our generous sponsors also ensured we had all the essential gear. Thanks to current parent Brett Bannister, Managing Director of SportShoes.com, and friend of the School Ben Mounsey, Senior Marketing Executive at SportsShoes.com, who supplied Sedbergh-branded running kit; and OS Charlie Simpson-Daniel (SH 2000-08), Chief Executive Officer at The Hero’s Journey, who kept us fuelled with vital food and nutrition.
A special shoutout to Flor Zappulla- Annett, one of the running team members, a hockey coach who is also a fitness instructor and conditioning expert. At the end of each day she provided recovery treatments and leg massages to keep us going.
Finally, the knowledge that we were raising money for the transformational work of the Roger Lupton Scholarship and Bursary Scheme was a constant source of motivation. The real-time messages of support and donations coming in along the way gave us a real boost.
Describe a standout moment from the three days.
The scenery was incredible throughout the entire three days, but the stretch from Grassington to Buckden was particularly stunning. We followed the Dales Way and the River Wharfe. Think All Creatures Great and Small… open fells, winding rivers, farmers gathering hay in the fields. Bucolic!
What did it feel like as you ran into Sedbergh after 90 miles?
Running into the Cloisters on the third day, with the walkers who were invited to join us for the final stretch, was a wonderful communal experience. All five of us all finished as a team. There was just time for a quick power nap before the evening’s festivities.
The Gala Dinner
The gala dinner was a beautiful celebration held in a marquee on Busk Holme, with views across to the School and the summit of Winder behind. Over 100 guests joined us – a lovely mix of Old Sedberghians, parents, staff, and friends. The evening was relaxed and summery. A storm brewed in the distance but thankfully never arrived, so this didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits.
The marquee looked stunning, decorated with wildflowers and lined with photo boards of the runners. Guests enjoyed a delicious meal – lamb, mushroom Wellington, and a proper Lancashire Mess for pudding. Despite having just run 90 miles, the Headmaster delivered a brilliant speech that captured the spirit of the event perfectly.
A torchlit procession up to Winder had been planned but had to be postponed due to the thunder and lightning forecast.
How much money was raised and what will it go towards?
We’re thrilled to share that over £20,000 was raised in support of the vital work of the Roger Lupton Scholarship and Bursary Scheme. A huge thank you to everyone who contributed so generously!
L-R: Mark Norman, Ben Collins, Dick Gorst, Flor Zappulla-Annett, Dan Harrison
If you didn’t get chance to make a donation and you would like to, you can still do so HERE.From 23rd July to the 5th October 2025 the Sedbergh and District History Society will hold an exhibition at Fairfield Mill to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Sedbergh School.
For more details about this exhibition please click HERECongratulations to OS Abbie Ward (R 09-11) who has been named in the starting XV for England’s opening match of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.
England head coach John Mitchell has confirmed an unchanged and powerful line-up, with Abbie continuing in her role at lock for Friday’s opener against the United States in Sunderland.
Read the full story on BBC Sport HERE.The Palma Match – one of the most prestigious international rifle competitions – takes place only once every four years and is hotly contested. We are delighted to share that OS John Warburton (L 75-80) has been appointed Captain of the Great Britain team, with OS Peter Bromley (L 77-82) chosen as Vice-Captain. OS Katherine Fleck (L 10-16) and OS Harriet Bramwell (C 13-16) have also both earned their places in the Training Squad. A remarkable achievement and a proud moment for Sedbergh!
Read the full announcement on the NRA website HERE.OS Ellie Dodds (née Mewburn, R 05–09) is fundraising to support research into treatments for PolG mitochondrial disease.
In July 2025, Ellie and Harrison Dodds received the devastating news that their 11-month-old son, Charlie, had been diagnosed with PolG mitochondrial disorder – a rare and degenerative condition for which there are currently no effective treatments or cure. Determined to change this, they are rallying support to fund vital research.
On 19 October 2025, Harrison will take on the Yorkshire Marathon to raise funds for The PolG Foundation, whose mission is to accelerate the development of treatments and, ultimately, a cure for PolG and other mitochondrial diseases.
Every donation brings hope – not only for Charlie, but for all those living with this life-limiting genetic condition.
Please support the Dodds family via their JustGiving page Crowdfunding For Good From JustGiving.Many congratulations to OS Sophie Woof (C 13-15) who recently got married. Very fittingly, she opted to marry in Casterton Church as she is also an Old Girl of Casterton School. She and Shaun Yates were married on Saturday 24th May, with the service conducted by the School Chaplain Rev Paul Sweeting. We wish them many happy years together!
Over three days in the gruelling June heat the Headmaster, Dan Harrison, and a cohort of staff runners from the School ran an astonishing 90 miles from York to Sedbergh, retracing the steps of the School’s founder Roger Lupton who walked the route 500 years ago.
We caught up with one of the running team, Associate Director of Development Ben Collins, to find out more about this symbolic fundraising challenge.
Tell us about the route: why was it chosen, and what were some of its challenges and highlights?
The route was inspired by the pilgrimage that Roger Lupton made 500 years ago, when he walked from Sedbergh to York to be ordained as an acolyte – a person able to assist in services and clerical duties. We aimed to retrace his steps but in reverse. Obviously the lay of the land has changed somewhat over the last 500 years! So we adjusted the route to make our course running-friendly, scenic and safe.
As a team we were raising money for the Roger Lupton Scholarship and Bursary Scheme, so running in Roger Lupton’s footsteps felt especially meaningful and fitting. Along the way, the Headmaster carried a scroll with a message from King Charles III congratulating the School on its 500th, and a prayer from the Archbishop of York.
The main challenge was the sun, which blazed down on us over all three days and was energy sapping. Regular refuels were essential and made easy thanks to our brilliant support team who doled out iced towels and ice lollies from the support vehicle!
Each day we had planned a wild swimming spot to cool off – undoubtedly daily highlights. Day 1, the River Nidd near Knaresborough; Day 2, the River Wharfe near Grassington; and Day 3, the River Dee just outside of Dent.
Congratulations to OS Abbie Ward (R 09-11) who has been named in the starting XV for England’s opening match of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.
England head coach John Mitchell has confirmed an unchanged and powerful line-up, with Abbie continuing in her role at lock for Friday’s opener against the United States in Sunderland.
Read the full story on BBC Sport HERE.The Palma Match – one of the most prestigious international rifle competitions – takes place only once every four years and is hotly contested. We are delighted to share that OS John Warburton (L 75-80) has been appointed Captain of the Great Britain team, with OS Peter Bromley (L 77-82) chosen as Vice-Captain. OS Katherine Fleck (L 10-16) and OS Harriet Bramwell (C 13-16) have also both earned their places in the Training Squad. A remarkable achievement and a proud moment for Sedbergh!
Read the full announcement on the NRA website HERE.OS Ellie Dodds (née Mewburn, R 05–09) is fundraising to support research into treatments for PolG mitochondrial disease.
In July 2025, Ellie and Harrison Dodds received the devastating news that their 11-month-old son, Charlie, had been diagnosed with PolG mitochondrial disorder – a rare and degenerative condition for which there are currently no effective treatments or cure. Determined to change this, they are rallying support to fund vital research.
On 19 October 2025, Harrison will take on the Yorkshire Marathon to raise funds for The PolG Foundation, whose mission is to accelerate the development of treatments and, ultimately, a cure for PolG and other mitochondrial diseases.
Every donation brings hope – not only for Charlie, but for all those living with this life-limiting genetic condition.
Please support the Dodds family via their JustGiving page Crowdfunding For Good From JustGiving.Many congratulations to OS Sophie Woof (C 13-15) who recently got married. Very fittingly, she opted to marry in Casterton Church as she is also an Old Girl of Casterton School. She and Shaun Yates were married on Saturday 24th May, with the service conducted by the School Chaplain Rev Paul Sweeting. We wish them many happy years together!
