NEWS
POPULAR FESTIVAL OF WALKING RETURNS
YHA ’ s popular Festival of Walking is set to return for the third year to Canterbury this September , running for a month from 13 September to 13 October .
Organised annually by the youth hostelling charity , YHA ( England & Wales ), the festival aims to get more people walking , particularly those new or facing barriers to the outdoors .
As part of the national festival , which is funded by Sport England , Pilgrim Trust and Cotswold Outdoor , there is a free-to-join mindfulness social walk taking place at YHA Canterbury on Saturday 28 September .
The 3.7-mile guided circular urban walk starts and ends at YHA Canterbury . The gentle walk around the edge of Canterbury combines learning and practising the technique of mindfulness to develop a deeper appreciation of the walking experience .
All the walks during the festival are free to sign up to , however people are encouraged to make a voluntary donation towards YHA ’ s Heart of the Community appeal , which aims to install life-saving defibrillators at every YHA hostel in England and Wales .
There are also more than 150 free-todownload circular walking routes nationally , including accessible routes suitable for motorised wheelchairs .
To find out more about the YHA Festival of Walking , download walking routes , register for a social walk , book discounted accommodation , or to get involved , please visit www . yha . org . uk / festival-of-walking .
FOUR FRIENDS CONQUER THE ULTIMATE CHALLENGE OF SWIMMING THE ENGLISH CHANNEL FOR WE ARE BEAMS
A very brave group of friends have taken on and completed the four-man relay across the English Channel , with the courageous feat raising a staggering £ 40,000 , which will all go towards providing vital care services and short breaks for disabled children across Kent .
The English Channel is a unique and demanding swim , considered by many to be the ultimate long-distance challenge . Many attempt this gruelling challenge but far fewer complete it .
The swim started from the beaches of Dover and ended 21 miles and 12 hours later on the French coast . Stuart , Kevin , Tom and Ryan , who are not experienced swimmers , tackled choppy , cold sea conditions , passing vessels and marine life with plenty of seasickness , as well as the risk of hypothermia .
Their motivation ? To support Rupert , Stuart ’ s son who lives with autism . Rupert is 10 and loves water and everything Disney ; he is very energetic , loving and has a cheeky sense of humour . His day-to-day life is challenging as he is non-verbal and requires extra support including his personal care .
His parents and the rest of the team hope the funds raised will enable children like Rupert to enjoy fun days out and activities .
Luke Cashin , fundraising manager at Beams , is amazed by the team ’ s dedication . “ This is such a fantastic achievement from all involved and it is thanks to challenges like these that We Are Beams are able to continue to provide holiday play schemes , day trips and respite care for disabled children ,” he said .
The disabled children and young people who access Beams ’ services will typically have one or more learning difficulties , complex health needs , physical or sensory impairment , challenging behaviour , autism or severe ADHD .
Based in Hextable , Beams have a six-bedded respite care unit called Dragons Retreat , where children and young people up to the age of 19 are cared for and taught important skills such as independence and social skills .
FIRST ENGLAND CAP FOR YOUNG PLAYER SUPPORTED BY DARTFORD COUNCIL
A modest grant from a council fund to inspire young people may lead to big things for talented footballer Toby Nelson , who has received his first full England cap at under-18 level .
Toby played in all four home internationals against Scotland , Wales , the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland for English Schools ’ Football Association ( ESFA ). With two wins and two losses , ESFA came second in the England School Boys Community Shield for under 18s .
Dartford-based Toby returned to the civic centre to acknowledge the council ’ s support by presenting one of his framed England shirts to leader of the council , Jeremy Kite .
Over the years , the council has provided grants to a large number of youth organisations , Scout and Guide groups , junior sports teams and youth clubs , but Jeremy Kite said it also had a history of supporting individuals with very particular needs or talents . Sponsoring Toby helped him meet travel and kit costs as he took the opportunity to join the England under-18 squad .
Leader of the council , Jeremy Kite , said : “ It ’ s amazing what Toby has managed to accomplish . The majority of our grants go to organisations , groups and clubs who do some amazing work with young people , but once in a while we have a chance to help an individual grasp a very special opportunity and their success helps to inspire other young people from the town . The shirt he presented will take its place in the Council Chamber and we all hope his achievement will encourage other young people to get involved in one of the many great sports clubs we have here in Dartford .” www . insidekent . co . uk • 197