This was a BIG day and I am humbled from the tremendous support that I received.
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| Just about to start our 10 miles at St George's School, Newport |
I travelled over to the Isle of Wight last night to make sure I was on the Isle first thing this morning and my day started at St George’s School in Newport http://www.school-portal.co.uk ; a secondary age special school for pupils with severe and complex needs. I was joined there by staff & pupils from St Catherine’s School http://www.stcatherines.org.uk ; a residential special school for the education of learners between the ages of 9 and 19 years who have speech, language and communication needs.
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| Pupils from St George's School took the opportunity to raise funds for the NSPCC Childline Appeal during the BRIT 2012 Challenge |
On arrival is was warmly welcomed by Jo Richardson who had been coordinating my visit and had been working tirelessly to make the day a success. Jo introduced me to Sue Holman, the Head Teacher of St George’s School and to Susan Graves, Development Officer at St Catherine’s School, and it was a pleasure to meet Sue and Susan and to learn more about their schools from the staff and pupils that I met during the day.
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| A great time with representitives of the Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue and the Isle of Wight District of Hampshire Constabulary |
The High Sheriff of the Isle of Wight, Susie Sheldon, had also given time to be with us during the morning and we were also joined by police officers from the Isle of Wight District of Hampshire Constabulary, Fire Fighters from Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue and Cowes RNLI Station who walked with us throughout the day.
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| Walking through the beautiful sites of the Isle of Wight as young people, staff & emergency services join the BRIT 2012 Challenge |
After a quick interview with Lucy Morgan from Isle of Wight Radio, we set off and walked a mile around St George’s School so that everyone had the opportunity of walking or wheelchair-pushing for part of the 10 mile route before we then set off on a 4 mile journey towards the Isle of Wight College in Newport. Our 4 mile route took us to Carisbrooke Castle where we stopped for a photograph before walking through Carisbrooke and then Newport.
The castle has been around since the Saxons and was actually the site where King Charles I was imprisoned awaiting trial. The present castle structure dates back to 1100. The castle is a beautiful and striking landmark. We arrived at The Isle of Wight College where a mile circuit had been marked and we walked the final five miles and I was joined by various groups of students studying a variety of courses http://www.iwcollege.ac.uk/
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| A moment I will treasure with young people, carers, staff, police, firefighters and the RNLI at Carisbrooke Castle, IoW |
The support from officers from the Isle of Wight District of Hampshire Constabulary was magnificent to make sure we had a safe walk as there were hundreds of staff and pupils walking on the pavements as we made our way to the College. Motorists and pedestrians displayed great understanding and patience as we crossed roads and this was a clear sign of just how hospitable, friendly and supportive the residents of the Isle of Wight are to charitable causes and young people on the Isle.
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| Thanking everyone for welcoming me so warmly to Day 9 of the BRIT 2012 Challenge on the Isle of Wight |
Steve Apter, the Chief Fire Officer took time to walk with us today and during the walk I met the support staff from Steve’s Fire & Rescue Headquarters who came out to cheer us on as we walked from St George’s School to the Isle of Wight College.
Many thanks to Carolyn Keene for a great article about the Challenge in Island: Pulse. The link is here:
http://www.islandpulse.co.uk/
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| Supported throughout the day by the Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue |
This is only Day 9, but I have to say that despite not having sponsorship or funding for the BRIT 2012 Challenge, I am staggered with the support and generosity that I have received from schools, colleges, venues for the challenge and the emergency services who are proving to be the backbone of this 2012 mile journey.
I am absolutely convinced that the snowball effect will happen and once 2012 businesses see just how visionary the Challenge and BRIT is, they will understand that by taking one of the 2012 Pledges to help fund or equip the BRIT Centre of Excellence, they can build a legacy for thousands of young people who face their darkest times.
I have enjoyed a fantastic day on the Isle of Wight and my thanks go out to everyone that supported the Challenge and to all residents of the Isle of Wight for making me feel so very welcome. The opportunity to talk to pupils, staff, charities and emergency services from across the Isle has given me a huge boost.
92 miles completed and 1920 miles to go!
My very best wishes,
Phil