More students will be able to set their sights on Gold after we received a generous £1,200 donation from the Charlotte Hartey Foundation to support their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award journeys.
The donation will support students to take part in the life-changing Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme.
Students Claudia and Jonathan visited the Hartey Wealth Management office in Oswestry with Derwen College Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards coordinator Steve Evans to collect the cheque and thank Karl Hartey, chairman of Hartey Wealth Management and chair of the Charlotte Hartey Foundation.
During the visit, Claudia and Jonathan shared stories from their recent Gold expedition in Snowdonia, where students completed practice and assessed expeditions, walking up to 10 miles a day across challenging mountain terrain.
“I walked more than 20,000 steps every day,” said Claudia.
Jonathan added: “I also learnt a bit of Welsh, including how to say ‘hapus’, which means happy.”
Steve said the expedition tested students who dealt with wet weather, difficult terrain, as well as feeling cold and tired. He said: “It was a great lesson in knowing that we can get through tough times and soon be back at the bunkhouse with a hot chocolate. These are skills that help with the rest of life’s challenges.”
Claudia said the group felt proud when they reached the top: “We were happy. It felt good and we were cheering.”
This year, more than 50 Derwen College students are completing Bronze, Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards, gaining practical skills and confidence for life beyond college.
Students who complete Gold are invited to a special celebration at Buckingham Palace – a proud moment already experienced by many Derwen College students and graduates.
Karl and his team had previously seen the value of the programme first-hand when they met Brendan, a student whose enthusiasm showed the difference the opportunity can make.
Steve said the donation would help remove financial barriers for students. He said: “It’s important to us that every student who wants to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards is able to. We work hard to break down barriers to success, including financial ones.”
Karl said: “I know Snowdonia well, having used it as a training ground for my charity climbs up Mount Kilimanjaro, so it was great to hear Claudia and Jonathan talk about their Gold expedition there. Adventure, curiosity and confidence are themes that mean a lot to me – whether that is through the Foundation or my own love of exploring. When we first met Brendan, it made us realise what a difference that support can make.”
Karl also gave Claudia and Jonathan a copy of his latest children’s book, part of a series inspired by the adventures of his Newfypoo dogs, Mollie and Tobie.
The Charlotte Hartey Foundation was set up by Charlotte’s family in her memory after she died tragically at the age of 16 on 31 July 2009. It supports youth clubs, schools and organisations, helping young people take part in purposeful projects and reach their full potential.