Charles Loudon

"Raleigh has given me a better perspective from which to judge everyday life and helps me look at the bigger picture in situations where I normally would have become stressed."

Charles Loudon had just completed his first year of university before joining the Malaysia 2006 expedition during his summer holidays.

In Kampong Mangkuwagu, we were building a kindergarten in a remote rural community. It was really good to spend time on it and it's the kind of thing you couldn't do unless  you were with an organisation like Raleigh. The community really appreciated us being there and it was great to see their way of life. We organised a sports day for the children and locals, it was one of my highlights from expedition, because you really see the effect you have and the reason why you go. The whole community was there and you feel like you're making a difference. All the people I've met - you realise when saying goodbye what good friends you've made, even if you've only known them 3 weeks. There are 20 or so people I'll definitely keep in touch with.

For the adventure phase, we went diving off Mamutik Island, where everyone got their PADI qualification, and lots of people unexpectedly got their advanced certificates too. We also trekked across the Crocker Range and it's great to think you can carry everything - on your back - that you need for 12 days. It's more mentally than physically challenging, living in each others' pockets constantly and having to work together. One of my expedition highlights was climbing Mount Kinabalu. We went most of the way on the first day, then we got up at 3am to get to the peak in time for sunrise.

 

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• Case Studies
• Aged 17-24 Venturer
  • Jaqueline Hemery
  • Alex Jaggard
  • Ayesha Khan
  • Felicia Royaards
  • Beth Rushby
  • Philip Weston
  • William Gidman
  • Charles Loudon
  • Lucie Cavoizy
  • Serena Brown
  • Laihann Mitchell
  • Barry
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