On the 5th April 2006 Graham Howe will leave the UK to embark on his fourth and most ambitious charity challenge to date – a 100 mile, 10 day walk over ice to the North Pole. Equipped with skis and sledges in a team of eight men, Graham is ready to tackle the harshest terrain and sub-zero temperature to raise money for a worthwhile cause – children who face the challenge of overcoming moderate to severe learning difficulties.
“If you really want to make the world better, where would you start? Religion? Politics? No, you would start with the education of children, giving them the best possible start in life. The money raised from this fundraising challenge is designed to do just that - because all children matter. This is not just a personal challenge for me it is also a way to make a difference.” says Graham.
In real terms Graham’s fundraising walk is just the ‘tip of the iceberg’ – it is also the key to unlocking access to Government funding. Working alongside the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust (‘SSAT’), every £1 raised through this ‘Pathway to Success’ initiative means that the Government will commit a further £12. In other words if Graham raises £40k on his trip to the North Pole then the total funds raised including government support will reach over half a million.
In the last few years Graham has helped to raise over £230,000 for various causes, and has seen the benefits it can bring.
“I am proud to be working with the SSAT to set up the ‘Pathway to Success’ initiative which will benefit aspiring special schools over the next 3 years – the fund has the potential to generate a ‘Cool Million’”
Elizabeth Reid, Chief Executive of the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust, said:
“Graham is undertaking a huge challenge and we wish him good luck with his walk. We are delighted that he has chosen to set up this initiative which will focus on the work we do with children who have special educational needs.
“The Trust has over 2,600 affiliated schools, 110 of which are special schools for children with anything from moderate to severe learning difficulties.
These schools work together to share best practice, provide advice and support to help raise standards and attainment. The funds raised through the ‘Pathway to Success’ initiative will make a huge difference to these special schools and the children who learn in them.”
Mike Hatch, Head teacher of Cross Hill Special Community School in Lancashire, said:
“I am delighted that Graham has chosen to support these children, and in particular the special schools network as the focus for the ‘Pathway to Success’ initiative. Many disaffected, and in many cases deprived youngsters will benefit through this initiative. The close link for special needs children with such an adventure will hopefully inspire some pupils in the future. The Polar Challenge makes an ideal learning project for many schools, and is an ideal platform to launch this valuable initiative.”
Funds raised by Graham’s Polar Challenge will provide the monies necessary to make up the shortfall being experienced by aspiring schools in helping to meet their fundraising targets, an integral part of the specialist status application process. Agreed criteria will enable Graham to select recipient schools bidding for specialist status to benefit from the initiative.
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