This year, more of our young people in the Western Isles have wanted to complete more adventurous expeditions to fulfil the requirements of their Duke of Edinburgh Award. Some have ventured to Skye, others will travel to Lochaber later in the year, some have carried out their expedition on horseback or plan to cycle It. Because of where we live, there is an inevitable cost to going further, but it is my belief that this is matched by a benefit for the young people who do this.

Our young people and their families currently pay for their transport and other costs if their expedition will take place outwith the islands, and for the most part this isn’t too problematic. Some pupils are able to access funding via parent councils, pupil equity funds, etc. But there are those who fall through the gaps. Who struggle to be able to cover the cost of their expedition but manage to do so because they want to go so much. It is my desire to create a small pot of funds that can be used by the Western Isles Duke of Edinburgh Association to support these young people when group leaders or school staff approach them.

I am aiming to complete the Hebridean Triathlon on July 28th, which involves a 1500m open water swim, a 40km road cycle and then a 10km run. The swim and the bike will be big challenges for me, and I fully expect to be very slow! Every young person who completes an expedition finds it a physical and mental challenge, and puts in a huge effort. I thought it only fair that I should find a challenge that would require me to do the same.

Thanks in advance for all donations recieved.