Harper Hike 2018

What is the best way for a Shiburnian to wind down after the end of year celebrations? Many would have opted for a film on the sofa and an early night, however, ten boys from Harper House chose to complete an overnight marathon across Dartmoor. Fundraising efforts led by Christian Johnson, Finlay Cooper and Cameron Cooper managed to raise over £7,500 for Help for Heroes; a charity that supports those with injuries and illnesses attributable to their service in the British Armed Forces.

Spending a day celebrating Commemoration in 30°C is not ideal preparation for an endurance feat of this magnitude. Starting at 21:00 on Saturday June 30th they set out from Belstone Car Park, walking through the night, on open moorland, covering a distance of 30km. At 07:00 on July 1st they arrived at Badgers Holt Restaurant where, after a break for breakfast, they were met by their Parents and Housemaster to walk a further 15km.

Walking for ten hours over unforgiving terrain was particularly demanding on the youngest members of the group; Tom Ewart-Smith demonstrated an impressive ability to sleep whilst walking, Hugo Ricketts turned unusual shades of green, Will Jonas fell asleep (fork in hand) whilst eating beans on toast and Henry Biddulph was so exhausted he could only manage to eat two cooked breakfasts.

By 09:00 on the morning of July 1st the summer heatwave came to an abrupt halt and heavy rain set in. The boys had prepared diligently to deal with all-weather scenarios, but some of the adults in the group may have underestimated the chance of rain, and who can blame them? It was supposed to be a heatwave! The Houseparent’s of Harper, donning Sherborne Sports Jackets, quickly discovered that school sport attire is ‘showerproof’, not ‘waterproof’. Chris Cooper, setting an example to his sons, elected to shun all waterproof clothing and braved the elements. George Biddulph’s lilac chinos, whilst pleasing to the eye, look decidedly soggy by the end of the walk.

The fourth form representatives; Will Loughlin, Kai Miles and Henry Parsons were joined by Henry Haywood Smith for the Day Hike and did a wonderful job shepherding their parents over the most challenging part of the Moor. Sodden and exhausted, the team completed the challenge at 14:00 after 15 hours of walking. It was an impressive achievement in which the boys pushed themselves to their physical limit.

Special thanks need to go to those who helped the Harper Hike take place; Harper House tutors Richard Brown and Julia Slade did a spectacular job accompanying the boys on the Hike and driving minibuses without much sleep. Mark Haywood Smith, parent of Henry and a former Gunner of the Royal Artillery, completed the entire Hike and provided much needed navigational expertise.  The staff of Badger’s Holt Restaurant in Dartmeet opened early and provided a delicious breakfast, and finally, a big thank you to the 160 supporters who contributed to the Just Giving Website:
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/harperhike

Chris O'Donnell
Senior Tutor
Harper House