 |
| A super start to the day with students at Mary Hare School and Fire Fighters from Newbury |
When I walked the 2010 London Marathon, I chose 26 charities to support and each of those charities invited a young person to walk with me. One of those charities was the National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS) http://www.ndcs.org.uk/ and I walked with a super young lady called Jade Potter, who at that time was a student at the Mary Hare School in Newbury, West Berkshire. Since then, I have had the pleasure of meeting Susan Daniels, Chief Executive of the NDCS, who has become an Advisor to BRIT & I.
 |
| With students from Mary Hare School |
During our time walking together in 2010, Jade invited me to visit the Mary Hare School http://www.maryhare.org.uk/ and later that year I spent a super day meeting staff and students, understanding more about the school and the support they provide. Mary Hare School is a non-maintained special school providing for profoundly and severely deaf children and young people from all over the UK. Pupils' fees are paid for by the Local Education Authority where they live. The Mary Hare vision is that "all deaf children should receive the education and support which will enable them to achieve their full potential at home, school and in their subsequent careers".
 |
| A very lively reception at Mary Hare School in Newbury West Berkshire |
It felt wholly appropriate that I revisited Mary Hare School today and I received a wonderful welcome from the students and staff. We walked three miles together today around the stunning grounds of Mary Hare School and up to Snelsmore Common. Once again we were joined by Fire Fighters and today, White Watch from Newbury Fire Station, Royal Berkshire Fire & Rescue Service walked with us throughout the morning.
 |
| With Fire Fighters from Newbury Station, Royal Berkshire Fire & Rescue Service |
I then went on to Park House School and Sports College http://www.parkhouseschool.org/ and spoke to some of the students before we walked a further three miles together around the school grounds. I met students of all ages and listened to their student-led initiatives to learn more about Olympic and Paralympic values and how they are aspiring to educate fellow students at the School and College.
It was an absolute pleasure to spend time with young people today and to listen to their aspirations, ideas and thoughts.
 |
| Walking in the grounds of Mary Hare School |
Tomorrow I am walking the Windsor Long Walk starting at Windsor Castle and am being joined by students of Windsor Boys School and Windsor Girls School. I'm overnighting in Windsor tonight and I'm sincerely grateful to Caroline and Drew at Park Farm Bed & Breakfast in Windsor www.parkfarm.com for looking after me tonight and making me feel so welcome.
1876 miles to go.
Best wishes,
Phil