AFTER two-year delay, a Redditch-based scout group will soon be setting off on a major adventure, thanks to a kind donation from local housebuilder Persimmon Homes.
The original trip along Hadrian’s Wall on the Scottish borders was called off in 2020 due to the pandemic.
This dashed the hopes of 28 members of Redditch Explorer Scouts, who had all prepared for the seven-day, 84-mile hike across the iconic national trail.
“It’s been a tough couple of years,” said group spokesperson Jonathan Payne.
“Everyone was looking forward to tackling the challenge two years ago, but our plans were scuppered. Since then we have been determined to get the trip back on track, but it is very difficult to keep the costs low – especially with the costs of fuel rising so much.
“We have raised one thousand pounds towards our accommodation expenses and now Persimmon’s grant will cover our fuel costs and help towards the hire of two minibuses. It is a vital donation and we thank the company for its support.”
Trip participants include 20 youngsters aged between 14 and 18, together with eight more senior Scout Network members – all supervised by a team of adult volunteers.
On behalf of Studley-based Persimmon Homes, regional managing director Russell Griffin said: “Activities such as this help young people develop essential life skills: organisation, navigation, self-confidence and teamwork. These
Explorer Scouts now have the chance to push themselves to their physical limits, in a safe environment, and – most important of all – have great fun.
“The donation has been made through our innovative Community Champions programme, whereby we can support two local charities or good causes every month through a donation of up to one thousand pounds.”
