Mountain Leader, PC Andy Hewlett, Runs London Marathon for Outward Bound Trust and Wild Learning

Sunday 13th April 2014 will be the 34th London Marathon and marks PC Andy Hewlett’s first ever attempt at running the 26 miles and 385 yards to raise much needed funds for the Outward Bound Trust.

The Trust is an educational charity which provides bursary-assisted outdoor learning. Their aim is to help young people realise their potential through learning in the wild. As Andy is the Volunteer Police Cadet Coordinator for Lambeth Police, and a mountain leader, the vision and aspirations of the Trust are close to his heart.

“One of the best aspects of my job is delivering outward bound training for our police cadets in North Wales, the New Forest, or closer to home on the North Downs,” says Andy. “ For some of our cadets who have never been outside the M25, it can be a daunting, yet thrilling opportunity to don a rucksack, grab a map and compass, and head out with their team mates on an expedition to explore our wild, beautiful and majestic countryside. Not only do they learn the practical skills of navigation and camp craft but also self reliance and team work. It is one of the most rewarding things to see them rock into camp at the end of the expedition with beaming grins, covered in mud, bursting with tales of adventure, discovery and challenge.” This is the kind of opportunity the Outward Bound Trust specialises in providing for young people.

Every year over the past 8 years the Volunteer Police Cadets have helped staff a water station at Surrey Quays as part of the wider deployment of the cadets who help make the London Marathon work by handing out tens of thousands of water bottles to the thirsty runners. Andy says, “This year our cadets will be helping out again, only it will be me wearing the shorts, sweating profusely and in need of hydration.” The cadets themselves love staffing the water station, cheering on the thousands of runners, including superheroes, rhinos, clowns, all doing their bit to raise money for their chosen charity. This year Andy is very proud, and excited to be running and raising money for the Outward Bound Trust.

With training going well the next big goal is to raise the necessary donation of £1750 for the trust. Any amount donated will make a difference and help Andy reach his target. All funds raised will help the Outward Bound Trust give more young people an amazing outdoor experience and show them that there is more to life than the streets and estates of the inner cities.

For more information about the Outward Bound Trust contact Andy at andyhewlett999@googlemail.com or check out www.outwardbound.org.uk