WITH this year’s Ten Tors event called off for teams of young people across the Westcountry, a group of adults are from tomorrow (Saturday) stepping up with their own version of the gruelling event to help future groups of disadvantaged students.

The Ten Tors event has always been aimed at young people and is a life changing experience.

This Ten Tors Trek will be taken up by 11 adults on June 5 and 6 and will be supported by staff and volunteers from South Dartmoor Community College’s Outdoor Education team.

It will include camping and navigating across 10 Dartmoor tors to raise money to enable disadvantaged students to take part in South Dartmoor Academy expeditions such as the Ten Tors and Duke of Edinburgh award scheme.

Guidance through every aspect of training has been offered including kit advice, navigation, moors awareness of conservation and the countryside code, fundraising tips and more.

Current Ten Tors participants will be on hand for encouragement and support.

At the end of the ‘event’ weekend the teams will have walked 35 miles over two days and will of course get a completion certificate, celebratory medal and of course a pasty, just like the real event.

All Covid-19 restrictions apply and the group taking part say they support conservation and the protection of Dartmoor National Park.

This outdoor event would not be possible without support from local businesses who have sponsored the teams to ensure their event is as authentic as possible.

They include Dartmoor Butcher, Toms Country Store, Glendinning and the old Exeter Inn all Ashburton businesses.

Taking part in the trek are: Cara Tomlin, Peter Coxon, Ian Glanville, Dan Dayment, Mary Cullen, Mark Burton, Corin Burton, Ross Greenwood, Joel Brightman, Sarah Huddleston and Susie Moss.

A Justgiving will be set up by the Friends of the College, which will stay open after the event for anyone wishing to support their Ten Tors Trek.

Those taking part say Cara Tomlin says: ‘In 2018 my son trained for and took part with South Dartmoor for the 55 miles Ten Tors.

‘Sadly he had to drop out at the end of the first day, after already walking about 30 miles, due to severe blisters.

‘In 2019 after Daniel had left South Dartmoor he volunteered to help with Duke of Edinburgh Awards and Ten Tors training.

‘Daniel was encouraged by one of the members of staff (Cat) to be part of a 55 mile team again.

‘With the help, support and encouragement from staff and his fellow team members Daniel completed the 55 miles.

‘I was there to see him come over the finish line, it was such an emotional experience for us both, as we knew what Daniel had endured to get over that finish line.

‘When I heard about South Dartmoor putting on an adults version of the Ten Tors Trek to help raise funds for their outdoors education department I was encouraged by Daniel’s experience to sign up as a thank you for all the effort, encouragement and support the staff and volunteers put in, often giving up their own time, to help students grow, develop new skills and in some cases help them achieve what they thought was the impossible. And this year both Daniel and I will cross that finish line together.’

Peter Coxon adds: ‘I loved the opportunity to “walk and talk” with different people, to learn from and with each other and to form new bonds of friendship.

Susie Moss says: ‘I really wish I had done the Ten Tors, I missed an amazing opportunity. I’m really enjoying this good challenge now though, and happy to be raising money for more kit at South Dartmoor so all kids can have a chance to experience this.’

Ian Glanville says: ‘Over recent times we have all re-learnt the importance / enjoyment of being outdoors. Having re-kindled my interest in mountaineering the chance to be with like minded people, whilst raising money so future students can experience the adventures and challenges of the great outdoors, was an easy investment to make. The Outdoor Education team and volunteers do so much for students and this 35 mile challenge is our opportunity to give something back. I personally have learnt that at what ever age, the big lump of granite and bog we affectionately call Dartmoor, can inspire you to greater challenges.’