Explorer scout hikes 50 miles for Botswana trip
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A TEENAGER is preparing to head to Botswana to work with endangered wildlife this summer
Suzi Martin, 17, is preparing to take part in the Botswana challenge that will see her spending five weeks under canvas at an animal orphanage where she will be helping to build a campsite.
In preparation for the trip, explorer scout Suzi took part in a 50-mile hike along the Greensand Ridge to raise funds for her expedition in the summer.
Suzi, who lives in Ampthill, said: “We left Leighton Buzzard on the Friday and hiked through the night to reach Gamlingay by teatime the following afternoon.
“But what an experience. My friend Jemma Allman joined us for an early breakfast somewhere near Deadman’s Hill and later dragged me up the final hill near the end, just beyond Gamlingay. On the hike we were hit with by rain, and dealt with blisters and bandaged, battered feet.”
Between now and July Suzi will also be facing more challenges to rase the £3,000 needed to head out to Botswana, including another hike this weekend.
Suzi added: “It was a massive challenge and definitely one of the hardest one of the hardest things I have ever done.
“My dad was great, he was by my side with encouraging comments the whole way. Mum kept us topped up with BLTs with extra bacon and plenty of hot coffee.
“And my explorer leaders also gave me plenty of support. I’m now well on the way to raising the £3,000 I need to join the 40-strong expedition to Africa.”
Suzi and her fellow Scouts will live alongside her favourite elephants as well as zebras, giraffes and white rhinos. The teenagers will be responsible for building a campsite and a training centre on the edge of the Okavengo swamp and a shelter, among others.
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Monday 28 May 2012
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