September 2011 saw the introduction of, what is to become, one of the local charity events of the year. It proved so successful in fact that we have been approached by participants and those who missed out alike as to when, if and where it was going to take place again.
This event was the brainchild of my directors, Keiron Northcott and Nick Beaton, and Paul Mattin of Wilderness Solutions. They wanted to involve themselves in more charitable activities and also have a challenge on the horizon that would involve a certain amount of training and discipline but would also be accessible to those with a lighter appetite for strenuous activity. The Northcott Beaton Pukka Yomp was born!
The next step was to involve a charitable organisation. There are so many worthy causes that would benefit from the proceeds of such a challenge and the most frustrating fact is that they all deserve it. So how do you help multiple charities in one fell swoop? The Exeter Foundation, that’s how!
The main aim of the Exeter Foundation is to provide the City of Exeter and its surrounding areas with a ‘Civic Trust’ that will promote our community and pursue the vision of people who live and work there. The Exeter Foundation was born out of the desire by Exeter Chiefs and a group of Exeter businessmen (one of which was Keiron Northcott) to create a focus for the future of the city and its surroundings, for the benefit of all citizens. The uniqueness of the Foundation is that local supporters are in the knowledge that they are supporting numerous (currently 17) local charities and / or specific local civic projects, rather than only being able to nominate monies to one charity. It, therefore, fit the bill perfectly.
So, after much training (for some people) and money raising, there we were. A magnificent September morning, shrouded in a light mist, hydration at the ready and bacon butty in hand, ready for the off. We set off, at intervals, from Sandy Park and made our way down to the River Exe. From there we progressed though Topsham, across to Darts Farm and along the estuary to Exmouth where we were treated to an excellent lunch and some welcome words of morale support from our respective wives and girlfriends.
The second half of the walk took us up over the cliffs at the far end of Exmouth, through Sandy bay and a long arduous climb to the back of East Devon golf course. Here we took the opportunity to catch our breath and we were gifted with a moment of serenity. Calm. The views were outstanding and well worth the exerted effort on the previous incline. After hydrating thoroughly we resumed with refreshed mettle and vigour. Our course took us from the cliffs inland, along the disused railway, past Dalditch Farm and Squabmoor Reservoir and onto Woodbury Common. One last effort was needed and at that stage morale was ebbing. The flow came when we joined forces with another team and we metaphorically carried each other the remaining mile or so over the finish line at Woodbury Park. Here we were indulged by the use of all the facilities (the Jacuzzi was a life saver), a fantastic meal, a couple of cold sherberts (just to loosen the joints you understand) and wonderful views back towards our fair city. A good days work and a true Pukka Yomp.
Last year we had a total of 20 people walking this stunning course through Devon’s ambrosial scenery. They raised a fantastic total of £2,500 for The Exeter Foundation.
This year, we want more. We would like to give 100 people (individuals or teams) the opportunity to get fit, raise some much needed funds for local causes and enjoy 10 or 20 miles of Devon countyside. It will take place on 20th May 2012 and for more information you can contact me on andy@northcottbeaton.co.uk or 01392 426046.
In all honesty, this was and will be great fun. I urge you to consider this as one of your challenges for 2012.
“The longest journey begins with a single step” Lao Tsu
