A Bromley school will help keep an adventurer fully fuelled when he embarks on an epic 5,000 mile expedition – after sponsoring a key part of his kit.
South London-based explorer Charlie Walker is setting off in the new year on a nine-month triathlon trek from the Russian arctic to the Bosporus Strait in Turkey – the length of the perceived border between Europe and Asia.
And Bickley Park will be helping him on his way as the school has sponsored the camping stove he will be using throughout his incredible endurance adventure. Pupils at the boys’ prep will also be backing Charlie during his Following The Line expedition by sending him daily emails, offering encouragement and support, and are hoping to chat to him via Skype halfway through the expedition.
The school forged a link with Charlie, 29, when he was invited to Bickley to talk about his many adventures, which have included canoeing down the Congo, walking the Gobi Desert and trekking 600 miles through Mongolia on horseback.
Patrick Wenham, head teacher at Bickley, said: “Twice a term we invite an inspirational guest into school to talk to students to help broaden their educational experience and their horizons. Charlie’s talk captivated pupils and teachers alike – the Bickley audience was totally enthralled by his tales of travel across some of the world’s most remote and fascinating landscapes.
“Hearing about his upcoming adventure across Europe and Asia we were keen to help Charlie in some small way so were more than pleased to sponsor his camping stove. I know the boys will enjoy emailing him as it will help them share in his journey. The Skype call we hope to arrange will no doubt be a highlight of the school year.
“Having speakers such as Charlie come to school really inspires our boys and gives them real life examples of the many possibilities and opportunities available to them in later life.”
Charlie added: “I’m thrilled to have Bickley Park’s sponsorship – my camping stove is an absolutely essential piece of kit – and I’m looking forward to receiving the boys’ emails.
“My travelling companion and I are going to be facing some extremely tough terrain in some of the world’s most remote landscapes so to have friendly messages from supporters will be a welcome read.”
Charlie is joining forces with Alaskan adventurer Callie Morgigno on Following The Line. Their expedition sets off in early 2017 and will be completed as a triathlon – with the pair ski hiking, canoeing and cycling the 5,000 mile route.
Bickley Park School
Bickley Park School is an independent prep school for boys aged 2½ – 13 located in Bromley half an hour from central London. Founded in 1918 the school educates 350 boys across its pre-prep and prep sites.
