Walking big so others can follow

 

By Julia Wade

A local teen with a hunger for challenges and a desire to help others, has recently departed on yet another adventure with the aim to raise money so other young people can have similar lifeenhancing experiences.

In December 2016, Rodney College student Lachlan Ewing tramped his way through the Waikaremoana Ranges in pursuit of his gold Duke of Edinburgh award, before leaving for an inspiring Outward Bound (OB) adventure, after receiving a scholarship. This year sees the energetic 17-yearold trekking a large chunk of the South Island on a two-month solo journey following the Te Araroa trail, setting out from Queenstown on December 9 with plans to step into the Marlborough Sounds in early February.

The new adventure is part of the Outward Bound Champions programme, where former students create their own fundraising challenges for future teenagers who may otherwise be unable to afford the experience Ewing says. “I was inspired by the work of the Outward Bound Trust of New Zealand,” he says from posts on his Facebook page. “In true OB spirit many nights will be spent in a tent in the back country, and I'll carry my entire livelihood on my back for this journey.” To date, Ewing has been "pretty busy", trekking the 70km Routeburn and Greenstone tracks with his Duke of Edinburgh group and covering the 30km between Queenstown to Arrowtown in his first week.

“Last Sunday [December 10], I began the Motatapu Alpine Track which takes four days to complete in alpine back country and finishes in Wanaka,” he says. “So far it’s been very hot and it's expected to get hotter but hopefully it’ll be a bit cooler when I go above 1000m in altitude.” „ Interested in assisting Lachlan to help others gain the benefit of an Outward Bound experience? Visit "Lachlan Ewing’s Big Walk" Facebook page or bchampion.everydayhero.com/nz/lachlan - your donation will help a vulnerable young person to receive a scholarship to attend Outward Bound.