Thomas More College teacher dares to dream big

EVEN though the Thomas More College Big Walk was cancelled this year due to the Covid-19 outbreak, in a move to ensure the walk’s message of perseverance and inspiration endured, one of the high school teachers, Scott Drew, laced up and completed his own version of the 80km trek around the Upper Highway area.

“The Thomas More College 80km Long Walk is an inspired event on the school calendar each year. The feeling of belonging, camaraderie, character building, connectedness and a ‘we go forward’ mentality is unlike anything I have ever experienced at a school event before,” said Drew.

“Under current circumstances, it was not possible to host the inaugural event this year. However, missing the experience of the Long Walk I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to complete it in and around the highway area while adhering to current lockdown protocols.”

While he did not train for the event, he tackled the 80km journey with two of his close friends, Jarryd Jones and Ryan Lees. Armed with nothing more than his water bottle and a can-do attitude, the trio set out to take on the event on a beautiful Saturday winter morning at 6am.

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Their support team consisted of Drew’s parents, John and Shelley.

“We were also fortunate to have some much-needed encouragement from the Harper family, Kerry and Dale, at the 70km mark. These examples of support and encouragement for others are true testaments of this event,” said Drew.

After a long day, Jarryd Jones completed an incredible 69km. After more than 12 hours, at 6.45pm, Ryan Lees and Scott Drew finished the full 80km walk and rang ‘the bell’ in true Thomas More College tradition.

“The camaraderie, character building and ‘we go forward’ attitude along the way was certainly there on the day, and it is what brings me back to this unique event every year,” said Drew.

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