Scouts raise funds for Uganda school project

In August the two 13 year-olds completed a sponsored bike ride of the South Downs Way from Winchester to Eastbourne. They completed nearly 120 miles in three days, climbing over 4,000metres, spending a total of 25 hours in the saddle.

Most recently they organised a quiz and fish'n'chip supper at St Augustine's church hall attended by around 80 participants and helpers.

All teams scored high marks, but it was teachers from Charters Ancaster, one of the boys' old schools, who took the spoils with an impressive 95 points out of a possible 100.

Archie, a pupil at Eastbourne college and St Richards School pupil Patrick, gave an impromptu speech highlighting the dire need for the school in Uganda and thanked everybody for their tremendous support, including Alex Lai from Pete's Fish Bar in Town Hall Square who helped with the food.

Patrick's father, Barrie, praised the teenagers, who have been friends for the past eight years, for their endeavours to raise funds for the school and believes the trip will be an eye-opening experience for them both.

Barrie said: "Paddy and Archie have shown lots of industry and creativity in their fund-raising ideas, including rowing challenges, ftes, cake and card stalls etcetera.

"To date they have raised over 2,000, and all the money they raise will go towards construction materials for the school. I think it will be a tremendous experience for them and will open their eyes to see what people in other parts of the world have to face on a daily basis."

The boys were chosen to go on the trip after they successfully completed a tough selection process, which consisted of a range of trails and aptitude tests, beating off stiff competition from scouts all over the East Sussex region.

Barrie said he is, "very proud" that the boys got through the selection process, adding that their trip will be paid for by "the goodwill of their fathers and mothers."

The Scouts fund-raising efforts will continue well into next Spring

Any donations can be forwarded to them via the Bexhill Observer.