On Friday 20th March 54 children and 9 adults completed the 7 Kingdoms (Isle of Man leg), walking 10 miles from Peel to Douglas or half this distance across the IOM. They showed great team spirit and, for many, it was the furthest they have ever walked in one day. A huge achievement, well done to everyone who took part.
Thank you to the staff who accompanied and supported the walk and thank you to Steven from Hospice Isle of Man who came to meet us at the start and saw the children embark on the challenge.
We were blessed with fantastic weather all day and everyone who set out on the challenge completed it.
At the end of their walk, the children were informed that the school would be closed for the final week of the term with their lessons and activities moving online in light of recent COVID19 changes. This was met with a range of emotions from the children; some excited, some nervous, some upset and some happy.
I am incredibly pleased to have been able to finish on a high with the children and also for myself.
The 7 Kingdoms Challenge will not go ahead this summer as planned.
There is a huge amount of uncertainty in the world at the moment and it feels irresponsible to set off on a long distance walk through many cities/towns/villages around Britain. Even though I will be in isolation for large parts of the walk, I don't know whether I will be able to resupply/restock/wash clothes/get a shower etc. I will return to work for part of the summer term and may try to complete a much reduced walk in the summer holidays if feasible.
I have been planning this challenge for 2 years and it feels very strange to have everything fall apart in such a short space of time. The guidebooks and maps have been shelved, but the shelf is within reach.
Alan.
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