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From Saturday 23rd to Thursday 28th June 2012, together with the High Sheriffs of Co. Durham and North Yorkshire, past and present, trustees of the Ocean Youth Trust North and friends I will travel the whole length of the River Tees, some 100 miles, on foot and by water to raise funds as well as the profile of the Trust's sailing vessel James Cook,  and in particular for Teesside teenagers to sail in her from Middlesbrough.

 

Starting from Cross Fell, the highest point in the Pennine range where the River Tees rises we shall walk in stages to Yarm, 70 miles down river, then travel by boat to the South Gare Light where the river meets the North Sea, returning to James Cook's newly refurbished Middlesbrough home at South Jetty at the entrance to Middlehaven Dock.

 

On the Sunday I hope to be joined by as many families and friends as possible, including from my Court staff, to walk the very scenic leg from Cow Green reservoir, past Cauldron Snout, High Force, England's highest waterfall, and Low Force to Middleton in Teesdale.

 

I joined the Royal Navy as a teenager which introduced me to the adventure of sail training at sea - a challenge I still enjoy. That was the greatest opportunity of my life and one which I would like to help others to have. James Cook is run by experienced and well qualified sailors who share my sense of excitement as well as the wish to give others the same challenging experience of a lifetime, an opportunity to form lasting friendships and a sense of self respect as well as respect for others. I know of no better way to get on.

 

The River Tees is the life blood of Teesside and why Middlesbrough, Stockton and the surrounding community exists. It is seriously under used as a facility but offers huge potential. James Cook, one of England's greatest sailors, was born in Middlesbrough. The sailing ship which bears his name is a great asset which more people should know about, support and use.

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