On Sunday 25th August I will be joining an amazing group of dedicated volunteers from the Gryphon Secondary School in Dorset to complete the Three Peak Challenge. We will conquer Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowden to raise much needed funds in order to support children who would like to achieve their Duke of Edinburgh award and take part in the Ten Tours Challenge. We as volunteers help by teaching the children how to map read and navigate confidently, we encourage them in every way that we can. We travel with the children to Dartmoor and Snowden to support them during all of their training sessions. We are a committed and passionate team who are dedicated to helping children accomplish their goals.

Unfortunately our local council has all but withdrawn funding for these programs. Basically there is not enough financial support available to fuel the mini busses, provide necessary equipment and tents etc.

I feel really sad about this, that the local council does not consider it a priority to get children outside and into nature, which has been proved to improve mental health and wellbeing. Indeed research has shown that people who spend time outdoors in nature are typically happier in life. Nature can generate many happy emotions including calmness, joy and creativity. Encouraging children away from their phones, tablets and social media is very important!

As a volunteer I am always astonished to see the children transformed by their outdoor experiences. They soon learn when the going get tough and the weather is terrible, the tough get going! They realise that they are capable of so much more than they believed possible and their confidence really grows. This is so important for later life when obstacles get in the way, they are less likely to be defeated. It is a privilege to be part of their journey.

I would be extremely grateful if you could support us with a donation to this cause. I will of course let you know how we get on, I am sure it will be exhausting but memorable!

All the best

Alex