29 May, 2020
Ormiston Meridian Academy student, Nathan Kelsall, has been nominated for an ‘Our Heroes’ award by the local Stoke Sentinel newspaper, which honours inspirational individuals and unsung heroes from across North Staffordshire and South Cheshire.
Nathan is being recognised due to his efforts to raise money for the Ocean Young Trust South, a charity which helps disadvantaged young people enjoy sailing opportunities. He initially became involved in the charity through Ormiston Meridian Academy, completing a two-week voyage, and enjoyed it so much he then returned of his own accord. He will now move on to training as a volunteer and helping to run the voyages themselves.
Keen for other young people to be able to share in the experience he had, Nathan has succeeded in raising over £800 for the charity so far, against an initial target of £260. He’s done so by committing to walking or running 2.6 miles every day for 26 consecutive days, as part of the national #TwoPointSixChallenge. An injury midway through meant Nathan had to switch to walking rather than running, but he still didn’t give up on the challenge.
You can contribute to Nathan’s 2.6 challenge here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/nathan-kelsall
Ocean Youth Trust South Chief Executive Mark Todd said:
“We are all so impressed with Nathan – he’s made an incredible effort to support the charity at such a difficult time. His fundraising will help to keep us going and ensure that other young people can sail with us and enjoy the same opportunities that he has had.”
Nathan, student at Ormiston Meridian Academy, said:
“They have given me so many great memories, so I just wanted to give back. “I have all of this free time now because my exams have been cancelled so I wanted to do something positive with it and make a difference.
The charity offers bursaries for disadvantaged young people to enable them to get involved with the voyages, so I know my money will be going towards something positive.”
Category: News, Student story
Tags: Charity, Ocean Young Trust South, Ormiston Meridian Academy, OYTS, Social action
