A TEACHER is organising a 22,000ft climb up Pendle Hill to raise money for people affected by the Manchester Arena bombing.

Russell Clarke, deputy headteacher at Haslingden High School, said he hopes the event will honour the 22 victims of the horrific bombing which happened last Monday.

More than 30 of the school’s pupils were at the Arianna Grande concert with three left hospitalised.

It comes as the total raised for the We Love Manchester fund to support survivors and those bereaved hit nearly £6million.

Victoria Station has also reopened more than a week after the attack which also injured around 120 people.

There are still 50 people in hospital after the attack, while16 people have been arrested.

Mr Clarke, who is a member of Clayton Harriers, has eight members signed up to run up and down Pendle Hill 22 times starting at 4pm on Friday, June 9 and finishing at 5.30pm on Sunday, June 11.

Mr Clarke said: “My role in school is care, guidance and support and it has been an unimaginably difficult week for the students and their families as we have tried to support them in any way we can.

“What happened has affected individuals in many different ways and we hope that the money raised can help them through this traumatic time.

“This is our way of playing a small part in raising money for support for those who attended the concert and for their families.”

Mr Clarke, who runs marathons and is part of a group that holds the team record for the national three peaks, is hoping to get more people involved in the climb which will cover 70 miles.

He said he was planning to run 22 miles for 22 days but after speaking to fell runner Garry Wilkinson it evolved to become 22 climbs.

He added: “Garry suggested getting sponsorship from businesses of £100 a leg and we are inviting everyone to get involved, runners, families and anyone who want to help raise money.

“Monday’s incident has affected so many people, from school children to grandparents and those from all walks of life.

“It has been amazing to see the united response from the local, national and global community and this is our way of showing our support.”

There are no marshals and all participants will be responsible for themselves. Each leg will begin at Pendle Inn in Barley.

To donate visit www.justgiving.com/WeHeartMCR22.