Today was an incredible start to the BRIT 2012 Challenge!
After a busy weekend doing interviews I was more than ready to get going. First though, I want to thank The Daily Mirror for their article on Friday, Sky Breakfast for interviewing me on Sunday and 90.1 FM for their interview last night along with The Chichester Observer, the BBC and BBC South. Once the press release went out for the Challenge it has been a busy weekend talking to people and trying to get the last minute pieces in place.
I woke up early, excited about finally starting the Challenge. Chichester College has not only been working with me to organize the BRIT 2012 Challenge, but they were the obvious choice to start this year long adventure as we share similar goals and values. Over 500 students on their two campuses have learning disabilities, while many of their 16 year olds come from disadvantaged backgrounds. The students I met today are enthusiastic, bright and great fun. I am sincerely grateful to Chichester College Principal and Chief Executive Mrs Shelagh Legrave and Lisa Humphries, Student Experience Manager for all their work to support the Challenge.
There was a buzz of excitement when I arrived on campus. The weather was cold and wet, but nothing could dampen our spirits! Chichester College hosted everyone for coffee, tea and some tasty sausage sandwiches; I did an interview with the BBC, who are great supporters of BRIT. When I came into the room I had an opportunity to thank everyone for their support and help. Afterwards the walk commenced. I averaged about 2 miles an hour, so this first day meant that I walked from 1100 hours to 1800 hours – I think I was on my limit.A number of inspirational BRIT Mentors were on hand to join me for the opening day and they had a great time talking and walking with the students. Joining me for the launch was Brian Turner CBE, Nell McAndrew, Michael McGrath, Oli Dudley and Iwan Thomas MBE. The young people were excited to meet them, and I must say that they really are inspirational. We had a lot of fun walking today and it was also nice to catch up with each of them. While the initial 12 miles of the walk seemed a little daunting, I have to be honest that I was so enthused to finally be at the start and the opportunity to talk with the young people and the mentors meant that the 12 miles passed rather quickly. Of course my body may be feeling it tomorrow!
If you haven’t yet registered your school/college/university/business or local team for the challenge, please go to the BRIT website at www.britishinspirationtrust.org.uk and register today. Registering and walking, running or wheelchair pushing will show your support for our young people across Great Britain and Northern Ireland that are facing adversity. You can choose to raise money for your favourite charity if you want. The BRIT 2012 Challenge planning team is still working incredibly hard to get everything set for the remainder of the year. I need to take this opportunity to thank Sally Arnold, BRIT Coordination Officer who keeps everything going, including me; Lisa Humphries, Chichester College for her phenomenal planning skills; Giles Penfound BRIT photographer extraordinaire:; Rebecca Cheung and Simon Matthews from Speed Communication for their incredible work in promoting BRIT; and last, but by no means least Clare Vaux and Geraldine Corbett, BRIT Team Members that are gifting their vital skills and talents in planning and organizing.
My thanks to everyone for their support of the BRIT 2012 Challenge! Together we can change the lives of young people facing their darkest times.
Keep reading the blog for updates throughout the year and I hope to see you when I visit your area!
Phil