After a fantastic Day 148 I was
excited to get back out on the Challenge and meet more young people, listen to
their stories and look at their educational facilities. I am keenly aware that
when BRIT is built I want it to be a facility that uses the best educational
practices found in Great Britain and Northern Ireland, so I am always busy
asking questions when I visit different schools, colleges and universities.
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| A huge Day 149 of the BRIT 2012 mile walk at Netherhall School & Sports College in Maryport, West Cumbria |
Today I had the pleasure of
visiting Netherhall
School Specialist Sports College
Netherhall, a specialist sports
college and extended school, has a mission which is “fitness to learn.” They
believe that they have a role at the hub of community activity, which is
important. In addition they want the best possible learning experiences for
their students and that open, two way communication is an essential element for
fostering positive learning outcomes.
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| Introducing BRIT to young people at Netherhall School |
I was warmly greeted by the students and staff, who were excited to get going on the Challenge. I must admit I was a little sore from three visits yesterday, but getting outside and walking soon loosened up my muscles. As always when I am talking with young people and the outstanding teachers and staff members that work with them, I get energized by their enthusiasm. I had a great visit at Netherhall and was truly impressed with the students and the work they are doing.
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| Netherhall School in Cumbria |
The students of Netherhall School
had also invited Lillie-Mai and her family as they wanted us to meet. Lillie-Mai
caught meningitis when she was 14 weeks old and had to have both her legs and
an arm amputated. Lillie-Mai’s family has set up a trust fund and also
raises awareness of Meningitis as well as supporting the Meningitis Research
Foundation. I met Lillie-Mai’s parents, Rupert and Belinda, who have allowed
Lillie-Mai to become centre of an awareness campaign. They want people to learn
about the earliest symptoms to get vital treatment as early as possible.
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| With Lillie-Mai and her Mum, Nana and Auntie. Lillie-Mai is 20 months old and she caught meningitis when she was 14 weeks old |
Lillie-Mai’s family and friends
continue to raise funds to buy her prosthetic legs not available on the NHS.
Anyone wishing to donate to the Lillie-Mai Trust, which is managed by a legal
firm, can do so at any branch of the Cumberland Building Society. Learning
about Meningitis and meeting Lillie-Mai and her family was a very moving and
humbling experience.
Then it was on to visit the
offices and factory of New Balance http://www.newbalance.co.uk/ New Balance has been
supporting me since I first walked the London Marathon back in 2009 and Liam
Burns from New Balance has become a great friend and supporter. They are quite
simply a fantastic organisation and one I am proud to be associated with. Their
commitment to responsible leadership is evident in their work. Their foundation
promotes sustainable change by sharing what they know; volunteering their time
and giving generously to the communities they serve.
My sincere thanks to New Balance
for their on-going support of BRIT and I am also sincerely grateful to Liam and
Sandra Burns for their kind and generous hospitality during my stay in Cumbria.
It was a delight to catch up with good friends and an absolute pleasure for me
to have a rare opportunity to spend time with Liam and Sandra.
I finished Day 149 with 1010
miles to go.
Best wishes,
Phil