Derbyshire youth hostels help unlock £50,000 for disadvantaged young people
Youth hostels in Derbyshire and the Peak District have played a central role in helping YHA (England & Wales) raise £50,000 in 2025 to fund breaks for disadvantaged young people and families who would otherwise miss out on travel and outdoor experiences.
Funds raised by staff and guests at hostels including YHA Hartington Hall will pay for 422 two-night residential breaks at youth hostels across England and Wales. Each stay includes accommodation, meals and activities, removing cost barriers for school groups, young carers and families facing financial or social challenges.
Set in the heart of the Peak District National Park, YHA Hartington Hall picked and sold apples from its orchard. It was one of a number of fundraising efforts from hostels and staff across the YHA network as well as at its head office in Matlock.
Fundraising activities ranged from endurance challenges and cycle rides to creative initiatives including selling unclaimed lost property in pop-up shops. Guests also contributed more than £13,000 by choosing to round up card payments during their stays.
Among the fundraisers was John Fuller (27) who works at YHA’s Whitby youth hostel. He braved blisters and the British weather to walk 84 miles barefoot, along Hadrian’s Wall from Bowness in Cumbria to Wallsend in Newcastle. His amazing ‘feet’ saw him raise more than £600 for YHA’s Breaks bursary fun which provides part-funded residential trips to youth hostels for disadvantaged young people and families in England and Wales.
Explaining why he took on the remarkable challenge, John said: “I was working with a group of year six students at YHA Whitby and it surprised me to learn that most of the children had never left their local estates before this trip. For most, it was the first time they had ever seen a boat or been away from home.”
James Blake, Chief Executive of YHA (England & Wales), said: “As budgets get squeezed and the cost of living continues to pinch, we’re seeing more and more children missing out. At YHA, we believe that time spent in nature and heritage is critical to every child’s education and wellbeing.
“Our bursaries make it possible for children who would otherwise have missed out on a trip either with their school or family, to have that vital experience. We’re so grateful to our colleagues and customers for their incredible generosity and creativity.”
The funds raised ensure youth hostels like Hartington Hall remain places not just to stay, but gateways to opportunity for future generations.
To support YHA’s work, visit: https://getinvolved.yha.org.uk/donate/