Over the February Half Term, three Oundle School pupils, Hughie Brooks (17), Euan Wardrop (17) and Charlie Fernandes (18) together with Head of Politics, Matt King and Geography teacher, Phil Pitcher, undertook a 24 hour non-stop walk from Oundle heading towards the North Norfolk coast.
Bright and early at 6am on Saturday 11th February, the group set off from Oundle, aiming to get as far along their planned route as possible before finishing at 6am on the Sunday morning. Their route took them through Peterborough, Yaxley, Whittlesey and March, finishing fifty-six miles away at Wiggenhall St Mary the Virgin; a tiny village five miles south of Kings Lynn.
The boys commented, “Our aim is to raise awareness and reduce embarrassment about male cancer. It was frosty, dark and windy at 6am as we set off and I don’t think at this stage any of us really understood quite how much of a challenge it was going to be! Within two hours we had hit a blizzard and were starting to realise this was not going to be easy – particularly given the weather. Spirits were still high however and we were delighted to see The Roberts family who brought us supplies and walked with us for half an hour.”
Various members of staff met the group with supplies of soup and sandwiches as they continued on their travels through the day and into the night.
Matt King commented, “The early hours of the morning proved difficult, although we were determined to complete the challenge. Our spirits were lifted when at 2am we were met with further supplies – in the knowledge that we were on the home straight with only four hours to go.
It was probably one of the most difficult things all of us have done. The highest the temperature got to was 4C, it was windy and we had our fair share of sleet. However, despite conditions we managed to complete 56.48 miles; an amazing effort. The boys demonstrated such spirit and determination. They kept each other and the staff going; it was a real team effort. In addition we must offer thanks to all the staff who helped us out – they kept us going in some really difficult times with the motivation often being to get to the next staff stop. “
The group have raised over £4000 for the Male Cancer Awareness Campaign and can be sponsored at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Laundimer24-hoursponsoredwalk