Alleyn's Reunion along the Thames

When Gareth Edwards (Cribb's 1986) decided to set himself the challenge of walking the Thames Path from London to Cirencester (uphill!), little did he realise that the venture would turn into an Alleyn’s alumni reunion!

Gareth is embarking on the 185-mile walk to raise funds for his nephew, 13-year-old Hayden who has Duchene Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). The aim is to buy an off-road wheelchair to enable Hayden, an active outdoors enthusiast, greater freedom and independence. However, due to recent hip surgery, Gareth realised he would need all the support he would get to complete the task.

Which is where his old Alleyn’s Duke of Edinburgh expedition group stepped in! Fellow 1986 leavers Jon Parr (Spurgeon's 1986), Maria Johnson (Cribb's 1986), Sarah Watson (Roper's 1986), Cheryl Chadwick (Spurgeon's 1986 ) and  Mike Jones (Brown's 1986) who are pictured above setting off on their original DofE trip together, will all accompany Gareth for the section between Henley and Reading.

Gareth sets off on 3 April and (hopes to) finish on 16 April, completing 185 miles in total, with an average of just over 13.5 miles per day, the longest day being nearly 17 miles.

You can read more about his adventure, his reasons for doing it and support him - here

Best of luck to Gareth and his Alleyn’s support crew and we look forward to seeing the photos!