Two weeks ago, on Day 235 of the
BRIT 2012 mile walk (13th September) I was at Loughborough College
and Ashfield Special Needs School when I finished the day with 501 miles to go
and then drove back to West Sussex to see my Mum who had been looking after my
cottage. Before arriving at Loughborough College, I stopped off to visit the
new Dogs Trust Centre in Loughborough.
Founded in 1891, Dogs Trust
http://www.dogstrust.org.uk/ (formerly the National Canine Defence League) is
the largest dog welfare charity in the UK. Their mission is to bring about the
day when all dogs can enjoy a happy life, free from the threat of unnecessary
destruction.
This is what the Dogs Trust do:
Each year they care for around
16,000 dogs at their nationwide network of 18 Rehoming Centres. No healthy dog
is ever destroyed.
They run subsidised neutering
campaigns in areas of the UK with the most acute stray dog problems.
Their Education Officers give
thousands of classroom presentations every year. Free teaching resources are
made available to all schools in the UK.
Their FREEDOM Project helps pet
owners who are fleeing domestic violence by fostering their animals while they
start a new life.
The HOPE Project gives
preventative veterinary care to dogs belonging to homeless people.
They advise government on any
matters concerning dog ownership.
They have established a charity
in Ireland that runs a rehoming centre in Dublin.
They assist overseas animal
welfare charities by training their staff in best practice.
It was a pleasure to meet the
staff at the Dogs Trust Centre and to see the superb facilities they provide.
I received a super welcome from
the staff and students at Loughborough College and after addressing the
students and answering questions; we walked around the campus together where I
met many young people on a variety of courses.
 |
| With some of the students I met at Loughborough College |
Loughborough College http://www.loucoll.ac.uk/
has a long standing reputation for providing high quality education and
training across Leicestershire. Established in 1909 the college is proud to
have recently celebrated its centenary.
With an extensive range of
subjects and qualifications available, Loughborough currently offers GCSE to
degree level courses as well as vocational courses and Apprenticeships. Courses
can be studied in a variety of ways including full time, part time and distance
learning.
The college welcomes over 11,000
students and is also one of the largest employers in Loughborough with over 900
staff. The college shares a campus with Loughborough University and students
are invited to become members of the university’s student union - one of the
very best in the country and one of the only unions to be owned and managed by
the students.
 |
| With Chelsey from Loughborough College in between our BBC interviews |
It was an absolute pleasure to
meet Chelsey, one of the students, who shared her inspirational journey of how
she has battled cancer in her early teens, has managed to walk again and is now
in full time education. Chelsey is a remarkable young woman and I felt
privileged to spend time with her.
It was also a pleasure to visit
Loughborough RNIB College http://www.rnibcollege.ac.uk/ RNIB College Loughborough supports
people with sight loss and other disabilities to access education, work and
housing, to enjoy a healthy lifestyle and positive relationships. The young
people made me feel very welcome and I was delighted we were able to walk
around their campus together.
From Loughborough College, I made
my way over to Ash Field Special Needs School http://www.ashfield.leicester.sch.uk/
Ash Field is a day and weekly
boarding special school for 110 learners of all abilities from five Local
Authorities whose main presenting difficulties are physical. However, their
needs are a complex mix of the medical, sensory, communication, intellectual,
emotional and social. There is a growing shift in the school population towards
increasing complexity and lower and slower attainment.
 |
| Showing picture boards of my journey to young people at Ashfield School in Leicester yesterday |
A significant number of pupils
have progressive conditions. The school also has an Assistive Technology
Assessment Centre which supports more than 600 pupils in mainstream settings in
the city, county and Rutland. They also provide professional development for
significant numbers of professionals from across the region. The school has a
multi-disciplinary team of approximately 100; the health members of which are
managed by the NHS.
 |
| With the wonderful young people at Ashfield School in Leicester who wheelchair pushed to join my BRIT 2012 mile walk |
It was a delight to meet,
communicate with and be joined by the young people as we walked and wheelchair
pushed our BRIT mile together.
I had a wonderful Day 235 of my
BRIT 2012 mile walk.
On Day 236 I was based in West
Sussex to meet with a great friend and supporter of BRIT, Andy McMillan from
Coutts and Co for advice, guidance and assistance.
Coutts and Co http://www.coutts.com/ gift
their banking services and support to BRIT and I which saves considerable
costs. Andy has continued to assist BRIT and find ways to help BRIT move
forward. Andy is a great guy and I am indebted to him for all the time and
energy he gifts as a friend and BRIT Advisor. I am also sincerely grateful to
Coutts and Co for their support.
I walked 5 miles and finished the
Day 236 with 496 miles to go.
On the 15th, Day 237
of my BRIT 2012 mile walk I worked on my equipment and clothing to make sure
everything was washed, cleaned and ready for the following week. I walked a
further 5 miles throughout the day to reduce my miles and leave me with 489
miles to go by the end of the day.
 |
| Lord and Lady March at the Goodwood Revival |
For many years I have enjoyed a
very special relationship with Goodwood and The Duke and Duchess of Richmond
and Gordon and Lord and Lady March. As a family they have constantly
supported BRIT and I with introductions and assistance. My birthday falls on
the weekend of the famous Goodwood Revival Meeting http://www.goodwood.co.uk/revival/welcome.aspx
and whilst I was unable to attend The Revival during the day, I was delighted
to be invited to The Goodwood Revival Ball in the evening.
Goodwood is a very special place
for me and I a feel honoured and very lucky to have the support of Lord and
Lady March who have both given a great deal of time to help me with my
aspiration to build BRIT. Their generosity and hospitality each time I visit
Goodwood is both kind and sincerely appreciated.
 |
| The very humble and inspirational Rowan Atkinson |
I was delighted to be introduced
to the inspirational Rowan Atkinson whose words of encouragement to BRIT and I was
humbling. It was the first time I had met Rowan and I was struck by his
gentle nature and the way he makes you feel you are the only person in the
room. A true gentleman.
It was also a pleasure to meet
Chris and Tash Evans who were dressed up for the Russian themed Revival Ball.
Once again I was struck by both Chris and Tash’s genuine interest in BRIT and
I. They too were extraordinarily kind with their words of encouragement. It
was such a positive experience to meet them.
I woke on the 16th,
Day 238 of my BRIT 2012 mile walk, with 489 miles to go and had decided to have
a very quiet 40th birthday at home. On Sunday, and for the next two
days I was determined to reduce my miles and keep to the walking schedule. I
walked 7 miles on Sunday, 7 miles on Monday 17th (Day 239) and 4
miles on Tuesday 18th (Day 240) which left me at the end of Day 240
of my BRIT 2012 mile walk with 471 miles to go.
I am grateful to all my family
and friends for the gifts, cards, telephone calls and texts throughout my
birthday weekend.
On Day 241 of my BRIT 2012 mile
walk I was at Chichester College, the new HQ of BRIT for a strategy meeting
with many of the volunteers keen to gift their time to assist BRIT and I. It
was great to catch up with everyone and to work through many of the areas we need
assistance with whilst I am out walking.
Unfortunately I had picked up
another bladder infection and found the day tiring and the bladder infection
lasted throughout Days 241, 242 and 243. I managed 4 miles on the 19th
(Day 241), 4 miles on the 20th (Day 242) and feeling better on the
Friday morning, managed 8 miles on the 21st (Day 243) leaving 455
miles to go.
It was great to spend the weekend
with my Mum & Dad who drove my sister, Lesley, down from Cardiff for the
weekend. After the fantastic news that Lesley is in remission from cancer,
this was a weekend for Lesley to relax and to make the most of every hour we
spent together as it has been difficult to see each as much as we have wanted
to throughout the year.
What made the weekend very special
was a surprise supper that my Dad, Mike, had organised. Thinking I was
going out for a bite to eat with the family, I was lost for words when I walked
into a room with my grandmother, Darling, my Uncles and Aunt and many of my
close friends who had travelled far and wide to be there for the surprise.
I am very lucky to have friends
whose love, friendship and support is unconditional. I am not good at
staying in touch as much as I should, particularly this year, and it’s easy to
feel guilty for not saying thank you, for not giving time for my friends and
making sure they know how appreciated they are. The friends I have around me
are always there, constantly show understanding and care, but ask for nothing
in return.
I have learnt a great deal about
myself over the last year and have had a lot of time to reflect. When I
set myself a challenge I think I have a tendency to be very channelled and put
all my energy and effort into completing or finishing the challenge. When they
have been short in duration, like the Channel Row, Marathons or Mountain
climbs, my concentration and determination to succeed is for a specific length
of time.
With BRIT, this has been a
constant for about two years and there is a danger that applying the same level
of approach can be unhealthy as I seem to have a single-minded manner to drive
BRIT forward. My aspiration to build BRIT has put the charity first and quite
often others second. I am realising I need to find the right balance. I also
believe that the BRIT 2012 mile walk has taken more energy and effort than I
had ever imagined. Physically, this is by far the hardest challenge I have
ever encountered, but emotionally it has taken everything I have in reserve to
keep going.
When I was first injured I found
it difficult to talk about how I felt. Over time I found it easier to connect
with young people and those I am meeting this year. I have had to open up
emotionally and share my innermost fears, concerns, emotions and the feelings I
have. I think if I had chosen a different path then perhaps I would have been
able to move forward emotionally, however, by sharing my journey and answering
questions honestly and openly, it is hard to close down some of the chapters or
experiences over the past four years. It can leave you feeling very raw, very
vulnerable and I don’t think everyone has understood that this can leave you
feeling bruised and at times, shattered – possible why I seem to be so
susceptible to infections this year.
Having my family and friends
providing that unconditional love is vital to me as I feel understood, less
emotional and more protected from my own feelings. It was a super weekend and a
real boost to have time with everyone. I am so grateful to them all.
I started Day 246 of my BRIT 2012
mile walk in Muntham House School http://www.munthamhouseschool.co.uk/page_viewer.asp?page=Home&pid=1
in Horsham.
 |
| Muntham House School in West Sussex on Day 246 of my BRIT 2012 mile walk |
The school aims to support the
needs of boys (aged 8yrs to 18yrs) who have learning difficulties associated
with Behavioural Emotional and Social Difficulties (BESD). Muntham House
provides an educational and social setting designed to enhance self-esteem,
independence and the skills for lifelong learning. They admit however that
their real task is to provide a happy experience for the boys so that they
remember the community as a positive force in their lives and somewhere they
can feel not only included but important contributors. The facilities and
learning programmes are also appropriate for pupils who may, in addition be on
the autistic spectrum.
Pupils' progress is reviewed
annually in line with the Code of Practice on the Identification and Assessment
of Special Education Needs. Pupils' educational progress is recorded in an end
of year report to Parents and Carers and the school offers a full examination
programme to GCSE and GNVQ level. The school also participates at the end of
Key Stage 2 in Standard Assessment Tests (SATs).
Muntham House School manages
young peoples' behaviour with the minimum of fuss and as routinely as possible.
It was a pleasure to meet the
staff and students, walk with them and I was delighted that West Sussex Fire
& Rescue Service was able to join us for our miles together.
I ended Day 246 with 447 miles to
go.
On Day 247 I travelled to Gilwell
Park in London to meet with Derek Twine, the Chief Executive of the UK Scouting
Association.
 |
| Derek Twine - Chief Executive of the UK Scouting Association |
Derek, who was awarded the CBE for services to young
people in 2007, has been the Chief Executive for 16 years and will stand
down next year. Sir Alan Craft,
chair of the Scout Association, said in a statement that "Derek has been
an outstanding chief executive and his efforts have played a significant part
in helping establish the strong position the movement finds itself in today”.
Scout membership has grown from 476,568 in 2002 to 525,000 in 2012. The
charity had an income of £25.9m in 2011/12 and employs 260 staff.
 |
| Robert Stephenson Smyth Baden-Powell 1st Baron Baden-Powell, Bt, OM, GCMG, GCVO, KCB (known as B-P or Lord Baden- Powell, was a Lieutenant General in the British Army, writer, founder and Chief Scout of the Scout Movement |
Scouting began in 1907 through the efforts of B-P. The Scout Association
was formed under its previous name, The Boy Scout Association, in 1910 by the
grant of a charter by the Parliament of the United Kingdom. The Boy Scout
Association was renamed as The Scout Association in 1967.
The stated aim of The Scout Association is to "promote the development
of young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, social and
spiritual potential, as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of
their local, national and international communities". The Scout
Association provides a Programme to help achieve this aim for young people from
the age of 6 to 25.
Girls were first admitted in 1976 to the Venture Scouts and the rest of
Sections on an optional basis in 1991. Since 2007 all Scout Groups in Britain
must accept girls as well as boys, although religious preferences can be
accommodated.
Scouting in Great Britain and Northern Ireland is open to all faiths and
variations to the Scout Promise are allowed in order to accommodate those of
different religious obligations or national allegiances.
The association's current Chief Scout is Bear Grylls.
 |
| Bear Grylls Chief Scout |
The association's president is HRH Prince Edward, Duke of Kent.
 |
| HRH Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, KG, GCMG, GCVO |
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is Patron.
 |
| HM Queen Elizabetth II |
It was a pleasure to meet with
and talk to Derek about the UK Scouting Association and to learn more about
this remarkable organisation with an inspirational intent to provide
opportunities to young people throughout the United Kingdom and ensure that
they are visionary in their approach to include young people from any faith and
to ensure that young people are encouraged to join no matter what their medical
condition or disability. I was privileged to be shown around the grounds,
see the super activities and to understand more of their historic organisation
and the site of their Headquarters.
I ended Day 247 with 444 miles to
go.
Yesterday was Day 248 of my BRIT
2012 mile walk and I visited Treloar School & College http://www.treloar.org.uk/school-for-physically-disabled-children/
in West Sussex. As they state on their website,
choosing a school for a child with a physical disability is a huge decision. It
is crucial to find an environment where they receive real care, the right
support, specialist attention, as well as an excellent education.
 |
| Talking with young people at the Treloar School College West Sussex on Day 248 of my BRIT 2012 mile walk |
Following my visit to Treloar
School, I completely agree that they are just such a special place. They are a
non-maintained special school for 7 to 16-year-old + students with physical
disabilities. However, some students with particular learning/emotional
difficulties may stay until the age of 19. They have room for over 70
residential and up to 40 day places. Treloar School welcomes young people from
all over the UK and overseas.
 |
| Trying on the BRIT Fire Fighters Jacket on Day 248 of my BRIT 2012 mile walk at Treloar School College |
As one of the largest and most
respected schools of their kind in the UK, they harness their expertise to
challenge and nurture students to help them lead the fullest and most
fulfilling life possible.
 |
| With students from Eggar's School young people from Treloar School College |
I was welcomed so very warmly by
the staff and students and gave a speech on BRIT before answering questions
from the young people. I was shown around Treloar School by staff and students
as well as visiting Eggar’s School next door with some of the students and
meeting and spending time with the Senior Prefects.
 |
| With the Head Boy Head Girl Deputy Head Boy Deputy Head Girl who looked after me on Day 248 of my BRIT 2012 mile walk |
It was a pleasure to visit both
Schools and I was delighted to be presented with badges from the students.
I finished the day with 438 miles
to go.
Today I have been meeting with
Chichester College, working on BRIT and walking in West Sussex.
Definitely time for an early night as I am feeling a little worse for wear with
a virus and am dosing myself up to shake it off as quickly as possible before I
head to Wales on the weekend.
My thanks to you all for your
kindness and support to help me with BRIT and for your belief in providing a
lifeline for young people post-trauma.
Ending Day 249 of my BRIT 2012
mile walk with 431 miles to go.
Best wishes,
Phil