Members of three Leeds Scouting groups will travel more than 100 miles in order to set a brand new world record.
In a bid to raise funds to send three of its members to the World Scout Jamboree next year, young members of the Central Yorkshire Scout county unit 28 contingent including St Mary’s (Kippax), Scholes and Sherburn Scout Groups will attempt the longest journey by heritage railway in 36 hours, travelling from the North Yorkshire Moors to the Welsh Highlands and on to the Midlands, stopping to set up camp along the way.
Scouts Morgan Harness (13) from Kippax and Thomas Bliss (12) from Scholes will travel the equivalent distance of the width of the UK in 7 train journeys to raise the £3800 each needed to attend the 24th World Scout Jamboree in West Virginia. The third Jamboree participant making the attempt is Thomas’ carer. The Scout association have kindly agreed to allow a supporting adult to accompany Thomas during the Jamboree to provide the additional help his autism needs. Part of the money also goes to help Scouts from less well-off countries attend.
The boys will be accompanied by three supporting Scouts who will collect sponsorship and donations, two Scout leaders and a backup camping team who will help them achieve their goal.
Paul Harness, assistant Scout leader at St Mary’s Kippax Scout group said: “We’re very excited at the prospect of setting a never before attempted world record.
“It’s looking to be an action packed couple of days, with 7 train journeys in total. But as the Scout motto goes, we’re prepared and raring to go.
“Support so far has been amazing- we’d like to thank everyone who has donated. Hopefully with further donations we can achieve our goal of raising £11,400 to send Morgan, Thomas and his carer to the World Scout Jamboree across the pond.”
Morgan Harness said: “I’m looking forward to trying to set a new world record.
“It’s going to be a challenge as our timings are really tight, but all our hard work will be worth it once we set the record!”
The world record attempt will take place from 2nd to 5th August 2018. To sponsor the young adventurers, donations can be made at: www.mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/railwayrecord and you can follow the #railwayrecord journey.
