The Ninety One team taking on the challenge

AN investment company has raised just over £40,000 for a school for children with special needs.

City-based Ninety One Limited visited Richard Cloudesley school in Barbican in March to discuss fund­raising for them before embarking on a Three Peaks challenge.

The Sustainable Equity team at Ninety One, from Gresham Street, visited the highest peaks of the Yorkshire Dales last month and raised £29,187.51 after family, friends and colleagues dug deep – before Ninety One chipped in an additional £12,700 to bring the total to just under £42,000.

Stephanie Niven, one of the climbers, said: “With some impressive team spirit involving sharing snacks, walking poles, and even swapping backpacks, the group tackled all three of the highest peaks in the Yorkshire Dales – 40km and 1,600m of climbing – to enjoy distinctly cloudy views from the tops of Penygent, Whernside and Ingleborough.”

Ninety One’s Stephanie Niven with pupils Kyanna and James and Richard Cloudesley headteacher Francis Gonzalez

Richard Cloudesley has two branches in Islington and works with children aged between 2 and 19 years old with physical disabilities and additional needs such as learning difficulties, medical needs, and sensory impairment.

Last month Ms Niven presented the cheque to the school at a garden party.

“We look forward to building our relationship with the school to further its ambition for its young people to build a strong sense of identity and have a powerful voice in society, with the knowledge, skills and under­standing to succeed,” she said.

Headteacher Francis Gonzalez said: “We are immensely grateful to the staff at Ninety One. The money raised will go a long way to providing enrichment opportunities for our children, helping them to access life beyond school.”

The donation will go towards equipment and outings.