Two nine-year-old schoolboys are taking on a coastal survival challenge.
Oakley Connor and Sammy Langley, who live in Burgess Hill, are challenging themselves to trek along the coast carrying everything they need to survive for 24 hours.
During their expedition in Suffolk, the boys, who have been best friends since they started primary school together, will be wild camping on the beach, scavenging for firewood and cooking their own food in true survival style.
The boys won’t be entirely on their own for their six-mile hike, as the expedition will be led by Oakley’s grandmother who is a seasoned hiker and a Girl Guide leader.
They are taking the expedition seriously and have been training for their adventure.
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Oakley said: “The weather won’t stop us. We will carry out our challenge whether it is sunny or raining.
“We’ve been training in sun, rain and wind and we’ve walked the Ditchling Beacon and the South Downs. The only weather we haven’t practised in is snow.”
The pair are taking on the challenge during their summer holidays to raise money for Blind Veterans UK, a Sussex charity for vision-impaired ex-service men and women.
Sammy said: “We are really into Army stuff and enjoy visiting army museums. We want to raise money to thank veterans for their service and it makes us feel very proud that we can help them out.”
Oakley’s mum Emma Connor said: “Oakley’s dad and Sammy’s parents and I are so proud of the boys.
“We support them, but they come up with the ideas themselves and they choose their own charities which they are passionate about.”
Sammy said: “It’s going to be difficult to build a shelter on the beach that won’t collapse and our bags are going to be heavy to carry.
“We’ve already been thinking about what we will carry with us for food. I think we’ll need something that will give us energy, like sandwiches.”
Sammy and Oakley are hoping to raise £500 for Blind Veterans UK. If you would like to support them in reaching their fundraising target, please visit their Just Giving page: justgiving.com/page/oakleyandsammy
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