Leamington teenagers will walk 130-miles for their teacher

Trinity School pupils Seb Kafno, Lewis Cantle, Harvey Thompson, Ryan Crawley and James Stansfield, along with youth workers Joe Holland and Sarah Louise Lithgow, are heading off bright and early tomorrow (Saturday) from Leamington Town Hall, to make their way along the Grand Union Canal to arrive in Hyde Park in London on Monday evening.

The 15-year-olds have all had cancer affecting their lives. Trinity School teacher Chris Hurst has the condition, while Seb’s cousin first removed, Harvey’s grandfather and Ryan’s grandmother all died from cancer and Lewis and Harvey both have friends living with the disease. They are hoping to raise £1,500 for Cancer Research UK by taking on this walking challenge.

Lewis, who came up with the idea and has also staged a fundraising concert with Harvey and their band Odyssey Blue, said: “I thought it would be a challenging and fun thing to do. I’m really excited about it, but I know it’s going to be really hard. I used to train for the Duke of Edinburgh expeditions, but this is going to be much harder than that.”

Ryan added: “My dad is pleased we’re doing it but I think all our parents are sceptical that we’ll do it in three days. If we push ourselves, we can do it.”

Joe, who has been doing youth work with the teenagers during the past year, said: “We’re going to be averaging 42 miles a day, starting at 7am and ending at 9pm each day and camping on both nights. It will be the equivalent of walking just under two marathons a day.

“It’s going to be both physically and mentally challenging, especially with the same scenery all the way.”

The group, thanks to sponsorship help from businesses including Lockwood ski shop and Stonemonkeys cafe, will be supported along the way by a van to carry their camping equipment, while the funding has also helped to provide them with campsite fees, food and water and other supplies.

The boys, who have so far raised £500 towards their fundraising goal, are also planning to record the trip on camera so they can make a film about their experiences.

Joe said: “I like supporting and working with these guys. It will help them further their careers and gain life experiences.

“There are not many 15-year-olds who would give up summer holiday time to do something like this for charity.”

To sponsor the group, go online.