A Scout leader in Islington is running 150 miles in February to fund the construction of a new hut.
Mark Thompson, 62, is the leader of the 201st Islington Scout Group and commenced his mammoth challenge at the beginning of the month, with the aim of being able to replace the hut near Waltham Abbey that has been in use for over 40 years.
Thompson is a keen runner, having taken part in a number of marathons in the past, but he knew he would have to up the stakes in order to drum up enthusiasm for his latest endeavour.
He said: “A lot of people think I’m mad, and those that know me know that anyway, but it’s been very supportive.
“There are people who’ve been involved with the group many, many years ago who’ve come and supported me and sent me nice messages, which has also been really good.”
Funds have already been secured to cover the cost of external construction, so Thompson’s donations will go towards insulation, as well as building and furnishing the bedrooms and kitchen.
Along with receiving messages from past Scouts he had either taught or been a Scout with, Thompson also received a message of encouragement and sponsorship from his first patrol leader.
It underlined how Thompson’s challenge brought generations of Scouts together, not only through donations, but also during the deconstruction of the old hut.
He said: “Some of them we haven’t seen for years, but, put the call out, and they’re there.
“They come to support you, which is the really good thing about Scouts.”
Disaster struck during the disassembly of the old structure as Thompson’s back went into spasm due to the strain of the manual labour and he was unable to run for the next four days.
He described this moment as being the most worrying, and confessed that he was unsure whether he’d be able to continue.
But he made a full recovery after a course of acupuncture and physiotherapy, and even completed the annual Scouts’ 50-mile-long competition event in the Chiltern Hills, giving his tally the boost it needed.
Otherwise, Thompson has mainly been running in Epping Forest, where most of his group’s hiking takes place and which he finds a relaxing environment.
He said: “After a long day of work, part of me says I can’t be bothered going for a run, but you eventually get yourself out the door, and the stress of the day seems to eke away.
“By the time we get back in we feel much better.”
He intends to use the last week of his challenge to make up the remaining distance, and has a day off on 28 February for his final push, when he says his mindset will be to just get it done.
Construction is set to begin once the Scouts have reached their target, with the aim being for the hut to be ready in time for their Easter camp.
This annual event sees Scouts, Cubs, and their families coming together for a barbecue and activity day.
The hut will also be used as a base for hiking, kayaking, rowing, and paddle-boarding.
Thompson takes particular pride in the Scouts for teaching their members valuable life skills like cooking, fire-lighting, and teamwork.
The hut makes residential trips possible and means they are able to develop further skills such as self-reliance, tidiness, and the ability to look after oneself.
Furthermore, Thompson noted involvement in the Scouts helps keep inner-London children off the streets by encouraging them to participate positively in the community and emphasised the family feel of the institution, which has felt all the more prevalent since taking up his challenge.
To donate to Thompson’s challenge, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/201st-islington-scout-group-new-hut.
Picture credit: Mark Thompson
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