I am delighted to share with you some of my experiences and to let you know that the work of your Trust is both life changing and much appreciated! Without financial help form the Sir Samuel Mico Trust, I would not have been able to follow my dream and join an expedition to Ecuador. I can safely say it was one of the best things I have ever done, despite the plagues of creep crawlies and other beasties.

For those of you who may not know of the Dorset Expeditionary Society, it is a local organisation that aims to provide adventure and challenge for young people from all different walks of life. The charity was founded in 1985 and has been fulfilling this goal ever since. To date destinations have included; India, China, Kenya, Thailand, Peru, Bolivia, the USA, Nepal, and Morocco.

Going on an expedition does not just involve filling out an application form, it also involved a selection course in South Wales. The weekend was designed to test our physical, mental and emotional fortitude, and it certainly did that! Jumping into sub zero rivers to retrieve gear, going on forced marches in the middle of the night. Following a map, so obviously drawn by a myopic dyslectic. This particular exercise led to one of the boys into a wrong turn to take him into an army firing range! Only half of us survived the course to be selected.

However prepared we thought we were, the actual experience of Ecuador came as a blinding revelation! Just to travel there took us 24 hours with stops in Amsterdam, Curacao, Guayquile and Quito. The expedition involved an immense amount of intense physical activity; climbing up mountains, mountain biking through canyons and cloud forests, camping in the jungle and eventually relaxing on the white sandy beaches of the Pacific. I think my favourite moment was canoeing down the Amazon River at night, as you could hear nothing but the jungle and the sound of the paddle dipping in the water. All that could be seen were the stars that left hardly a gap in the sky.

The peace was broken suddenly by a local plunging his hand in to the water and drawing out a live alligator.

Another memorable moment had to be the point at which I reached the summit of my second mountain. All the long hours that it took to reach the top were finally rewarded with a rush of relief that I had made it, followed by a feeling of awe at the beauty of the panoramic views that included being amongst the clouds. For that single moment it was completely worth the attitude sickness, tummy upset, sleep deprivation and physical pain.

From these many experience I feel that I have come away with greater self confidence and belief in myself and those around me. I have also learnt numerous new skills such as how to cook with some dubious equipment in a tropical downpour, how to survive at altitude and most importantly how to work as a member of a team.

My experience has led directly to me becoming more involved in our community. I am a member of our College 6^th Form Committee. I now coach a children’s netball team and have also become a leader at Budmouth’s annual Fresher’s Camp which involves coaching and caring for some 250 children.

Many of the skills gained have also helped me in my everyday life. The whole venture has inspired me to become a doctor to help relieve some of the poverty that I saw while in Ecuador. Without the help of Sir Samuel Mico Trust I would not have been able to achieve all this, and realise my ambitions.

I thank you all.

Firstly, here are a couple of shots our watch…

Left: the entire watch (around the waters of North Devon). Centre: Just the girls! (Coming into Barry), Right: Me! (in port at Ipswich)

I spent my one week voyage sailing from Ipswich to Barry on The Prince William at the end of August 2006. Within hours of coming aboard I felt quite at home, despite the fact I had never sailed before! We were quickly ‘taught the ropes’ by helpful hands from all over the ship, and became familiar with the rest of the crew, who by the end felt like family!

Out on the water was an incredible experience. Whether it was bracing the ship, steering at the helm or scrubbing the decks, everyone found it fun. Climbing out on the yards was a real highlight for me as I felt such a sense of achievement from overcoming my nerves.

The Tall Ship’s experience was one of the most enjoyable aspects of gaining the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. It really boosted my confidence, and has taught me how much you can attain with determination and a good sense of humour!