Dukie school pennant flag flown at North Pole on charity trek with Prince Harry
The Duke of York’s Royal Military School, near Dover, has made history for being the first school in the country to have its pennant flag flown at the North Pole.
It was taken there by proud ex pupil Simon Daglish as part of an incredible charity expedition that involved four soldiers wounded in Afghanistan walking unassisted on a 180 mile trek across the frozen polar ice cap in minus 38C temperatures. The trip, that welcomed Prince Harry for part of it, took a record-breaking 13 days.
It was all in aid of the Walking With the Wounded charity, co-founded by Simon, to raise funds to help rehabilitate soldiers wounded in action. The charity’s Patron Prince Harry, who joined the team for the first 4 days of the trek, praised the team at a press conference in London yesterday.
He said: “I only took part in a small section of the trek, but know how physically demanding it was. The spirit and determination of these lads is second to none – they are role models for us all.”
Former Chief School Prefect Simon thanked the Duke of York’s Old Boys' Association which has donated £1,000 and the many people across Kent who have helped the charity raise £1m.
“People have kindly supported us with generous donations and inspiring messages that kept us motivated while trekking through the snow and ice.
“I wanted to take the pennant flag with me because I am proud of my old school and grateful for what it gave me. I had fantastic teachers who encouraged me, built my confidence and made me believe that I could stand out from the crowd and achieve my dreams.”
The elongated triangular pennant flag is a symbol of the school’s 200 year military history and is often used to mark out marching parade areas.
School Principal Charles Johnson said the students, some of whom have parents wounded in action, have been following the expedition’s progress on the internet and cheering the team on.
“We are delighted with the success of our old Dukie Simon Daglish and his team reaching the North Pole. It is a matter of real pride that the school’s pennant was flown over the Pole.”
The school, which became a state Academy last year, fosters self-reliance, resilience and leadership among its pupils. Earlier this month (April) 70 girls and boys undertook a week-long adventurous training course in Devon, supervised by staff.
For more information, visit the Walking with the Wounded website http://walkingwiththewounded.org.uk/profile/simon-daglish/
April 27, 2011
