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| With BRIT Mentor, Sally Kettle |
I had a brilliant day today at Dunsfold Park in Surrey with The Jigsaw Trust, The Children’s Trust and also was joined by BRIT Mentor, Sally Kettle and my parents, Angela and Mike. The weather was really cold and the wind was biting, but we had sunshine. Everyone wrapped up well and was raring to go.
If you are not familiar with Dunsfold Park, you’ve most likely seen it on television as it is the home to BBC’s Top Gear. Built in 1942 by the First Canadian Army, the aerodrome has had a fascinating history involved in everything from the Berlin Airlift to the ‘world speed record’ sound barrier in 1953 and the forerunner for the Harrier Jump Jets. Today, the park is home to multiple businesses and has been the site of numerous television and films, including Spooks, The Da Vinci Code and Casino Royale to name just a few.
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| Dunsfold Park |
I was joined by an extraordinary group of young people today. The Jigsaw School is located at Dunsfold Park and is a registered charity that provides an independent day school for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. They do phenomenal work and support young people with autism. Do check out their website at www.jigsawschool.co.uk. Kate Grant, Executive Head of the Jigsaw Trust, is also a BRIT Advisor and it was super to see Kate again and also to walk with Kate Lefeber, who handles PR for the Trust and Sarah Brown who works at the School and who had come out on her day off to walk with us.
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| Jigsaw Trust |
In addition to the fantastic young people and staff from the Jigsaw School I was also joined by staff from The Children’s Trust. I am honoured to serve as Vice President to The Children’s Trust. Located in Tadworth The Children’s Trust provides “care, education, therapy and rehabilitation to children with multiple disabilities, complex health needs and acquired brain injury. When I walked the London Marathon in 2010 The Children’s Trust was one of the 26 charities supported by that walk.
The cutting winds across the open aerodrome took their toll a little today and I had a fair bit of pain in my right thigh which seemed to worsen as the day went on. Rather than risk an injury, I stopped at the 8 mile mark, also reaching my first 100 miles.
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| Top Gear Track |
I’m sincerely grateful to Jim McAllister, Chief Executive of the Rutland Group Ltd, who gave permission for the walk to take place at Dunsfold Park and for providing refreshments for everyone who took part.
Another great day on the challenge and 8 more miles completed.
100 miles done and 1912 to go!
Best wishes,
Phil