Neither the heat nor the rain can stop them …
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After a rain-soaked practice expedition, our year 10 Duke of Edinburgh cohort might have through they were owed some kinder weather. Certainly the sun appeared on Saturday – almost too much with students struggling to take on sufficient fluids for the day’s exertions.
The rain returned on Saturday night and the following days walk saw the unwelcome return of wet feet, as students contended with a sequence of wet and grassy footpaths. Many paths were overgrown and difficult to find as well.
Nonetheless, the groups showed determination and courage and were rewarded by an appreciative audience of parents as they arrived at the finish. A significant achievement by all, but especially so for three who were particularly tested. One student’s blood blister from Saturday meant a wince at every step, yet he persevered to the end. Another student in acute pain from a medical condition made it to the end due to her own stoicism and the support of her group. One student succumbed to heat exhaustion on Saturday, and made it to the finish on Sunday having had no real food for 24 hours, thanks to a determination which the teachers did not expect to see.
And so a template is set and a lesson learned for life: success will come to those with resolve. Well done to everyone who completed the expedition. Thank-you to Mr Langford for making it all possible, to Mrs Doran and Mr Latus for assessing the groups, and to Mrs Tingley and Mr Morris for supporting the weekend.
