Lauren McLean, Headteacher of Langholm Academy Cluster, and Karen Vidler, Depute Headteacher, are planning to take on the huge challenge of the Cateran Yomp in Blairgowrie this weekend, walking/running/hiking 54 miles in 24 hours.
The Cateran Yomp is the biggest, toughest event of its kind. Every year, hundreds of Yompers gather in the Scottish wilderness to battle through the foothills of the Cairngorm Mountains, walking continuously for 54 miles over 24 hours. Based on an infamous long-distance military training march, it takes every ounce of grit a person can possess. Every single step helps their mission: to be there for soldiers, for veterans, for their families. For life. The Yomp takes courage. Discipline. Integrity. Teamwork. It’s not easy.
Lauren and Karen try to keep fit and healthy, taking on physical challenges to not only support a range of charities, but to promote healthy lifestyles to their pupils at Langholm Academy Cluster. Last year they completed the Great North Run for charity NSPCC, raising nearly £3000 for the charity.
The intrepid duo have chosen to raise money for the Army Benevolent Fund as they have friends and loved ones who have been injured in service, and have been supported to rebuild their lives by the charity.
Lauren shared, “We have trained for the last 6 months to take on this challenge, and are very much looking forward to the weekend to get it done now. It will be physcially tough and mentally challenging, to keep going when our legs ache and the darkness begins to creep in. However, it is nothing in comparison to the sacrifices our servicemen and women have made, and we want to support them in any way we can by raising funds for this fantastic charity.”
Karen added, “We were so proud last year when we completed the Great North Run with our teaching staff, raising money for NSPCC, however this year, this challenge is monumental and we are determined to complete it. The ABF does amazing work for injured veterans and their families and we look forward to being able to donate to their work, helping others in need. Lets hope for some fair weather and not too much sunshine in Blairgowrie this weekend!”
The teachers are hoping for fair weather and are keeping everything crossed that they have what it takes to complete the 54 miles in 24 hours.
If anyone would like to sponsor the teachers to complete the challenge, link is below.
Good luck Team Langholm!
https://events.armybenevolentfund.org/s/23128/38247
