Partner Article

Editor’s Comment: Doing it for the kids

TIME is fast running out for North East businesses to step in and prevent two young travellers failing in their epic task to boost young enterprise in the region.

A sponsor’s decision to pull out at the last minute has left two young enterprise champions with a frantic race against time to achieve their quest of inspiring budding entrepreneurs.

Durham University students Andy Stephenson and Ali Hunsley took on the challenge of getting as far away from Durham Prison in 36 hours without spending a penny.

The ultimate aim of the task was to raise money for Young Enterprise North East, while showing the region’s budding young entrepreneurs what can be achieved with a little endeavour and no financial backing.

One business sponsor had promised to offer flights from Newcastle International Airport, however a u-turn at the eleventh hour as the company pulled out, left the travelers exasperated and facing the prospect of packing in the challenge.

The lads went on a charm offensive with airlines to talk their way onto a flight anywhere. But, they were met with resistance as stubborn as Willie Walsh and his boardroom boot boys.

Fortunately, thanks to some accommodating drivers, they hitched their way back into Newcastle city centre and when bdaily spoke to them they were crossing the Tyne – by bridge, not dinghy I hasten to add.

As the lads make their journey to try their luck in the South, there’s still time for the region’s businesses to put their money where their mouths are and show that the North East really is the most welcoming region.

We’re all aware that ’times is ‘ard’ but do it for the kids – if not the two students – then for the hundreds of youngsters they will help to achieve their career ambitions.

Oh, forgot to mention – they’re doing it in Batman and Robin outfits ala Rodders and Del Boy. Cushty.

If you want to help Andy and Ali with flights, train tickets or sponsorshop call them on 07545998856, follow them on Twitter at a Twitter.com/NZjailbreak and sponsorship can be donated at http://www.justgiving.com/Andy-Stephenson1.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .