Lindeth Howe welcomes Duke of Edinburgh International Award

This was hosted by Sir Norman and Lady Stoller to celebrate the Champions’ Challenge 100. This forms part of the activity to mark the centenary of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh and ensure his legacy in The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – known as the DofE in the UK – can continue for many years to come.

A group of challengers were led on a 10k trek around Rydal, Grasmere, and Alcock Tarn returning along the side of Red Nab to Rydal Hall by Award Assessors, Caroline McCann and Natalie Wilson. They were accompanied by Sir David Templeman Adams, renowned explorer who has summitted all 7 of the highest peaks on each continent, walked to both North and South Poles, and flown across the Atlantic in a hot air balloon.

Through the generous support of the challengers and other donors, the Champions Challenge raised £100,000, which will be used to ensure more young people around the world have the chance to take part in The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, which Prince Philip founded in the 1950’s.

Sir Norman welcomed everyone to the Lake District and introduced Sir David who described how he became involved in the Award as a teenager and how it influenced his life and career. He then introduced a presentation from Anish Luitel, a High-Altitude Climber, Scout Leader and Gold Award Holder from Nepal, who explained how the Award experience motivated him to become a High Climber which has so far led to him summitting Mount Everest from both the South and North sides.

HRH The Earl of Wessex thanked everyone for their ongoing efforts in supporting the Award, which continues to positively affect the lives of many youngsters around the world.

Stephen Broughton, MD of Lindeth Howe and Mountain Goat Tours, said that it was a privilege to be part of the Awards Scheme and even the Lake District weather smiled on the group giving them spectacular views as well as a sense of achievement.