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Royal date for charity challenge team
Friday July 04th 2008. Posted: 09:50
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From left, Will Osborne, the Duke of York, Gareth Hopkins, Scott Kirkcaldy and Jerry Comber at St James’s Palace
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The four BT Operate apprentices who won through to the national finals of the Outward Bound Charity Challenge are already looking forward to having another crack at the competition next year after a hectic few weeks.
First of all they took part in the national finals of the challenge in the Lake District and came a very creditable ninth out of 12 at their first attempt against some very experienced opposition. This was then followed by a trip to meet the competition’s royal patron, the Duke of York, at a reception for all the finalists at St James’s Palace in London. Team member Paul Wolsteholmes said: “It was great to meet the Duke of York and to be part of such an event at somewhere like St James’s Palace. “After the presentations he asked us how we got on in the final and was almost as keen for us to enter next year as we are. He also took a real interest in our apprenticeships and what we were looking to do when we complete them. “As for the final it was awesome - one of the best things in which I’ve ever taken part. We really had to work hard as a team and there were so many things to learn which we can now take back and apply in the workplace. “We all want to go back next year and have another crack at it - experience definitely counts and we now know a lot more about how the challenge works and we will be more competitive by way of representing BT as a result.” Paul and fellow finalists Gareth Hopkins, Will Osborne and Scott Kirkcaldy also raised more than £400 in sponsorship for charity as a result of their efforts in the challenge. The fifth member of the team, James Fiddian - who was part of the quartet which qualified for the final - was unable to attend the reception as he was trekking in India to raise money for ChildLine. The team’s BT sponsor, BT Operate apprentice lead Jerry Comber, was also at the reception with the team. He said: “This event has made a very positive difference to the apprentices who took part. The charities for which they raised money will benefit, while they have set a standard for future BT apprentice teams. “The Duke of York was very impressed with their achievements and the success of BT. It’s certainly raised the company’s profile. I hope another BT apprentice team can do as well next year.”
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Last updated:
09:55