Challenging charity role for intrepid adventurer
AN ADVENTURE addict has joined Grimsby-based charity Get Hooked on Positive Activities (GHoPA) to launch a new range of daring and environmentally-based projects.
John Pomfret, 51, of Davenport Drive, Cleethorpes, has become an Adventurous Activities Ambassador and will now assist the organisation to inspire institutions, young people and families to find new and exciting outdoor experiences.
It is hoped that the new provision at outdoor facilities at East Ravendale and Millennium Park Humberston will excite primary schools and academies, particularly those with young people who may not be engaging in mainstream education and who may wish to learn through fun and dynamically delivered adventurous activity sessions.
John, managing director of his own local company JC Pomfret Construction Ltd, is set to undertake the Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon later this year for the organisation.
This challenge follows a trail that starts from the Everest Base Camp at 17,598ft and finishes at Namche Bazaar, in North East Nepal, at 11,306ft – the measured distance of the course is 26.2 miles over rough mountain terrain.
He said: “I go all over the world looking for adventures; I just want to feel like I’ve done something worthwhile and at the end of the day it keeps me active.
“My 16-year-old son is disabled; he motivates me to do what I do and to help provide outdoor opportunities for young people.”
GHoPA managing director Mark Fenty is thrilled to have John on board and recalls how he felt when they first met.
He said: “When I first met John, I was truly inspired and amazed.
“His world-class achievements include trekking and climbing at places most of us will only ever see on the television.
“His stories and skills will now be an integrated part of school seminars and the delivery of outdoor sessions GHoPA will provide.”
Mark was keen to stress that with John’s help GHoPA will now be able to help many more hard to reach, disadvantaged and vulnerable young people in the area.
GHoPA recently launched its new corporate services and has worked with Grimsby Town Football Club players, among other commercial companies, to offer unique activities like laser clay pigeon shooting, archery, disc sports and fishing to their staff and clients. Mark said: “For team building and product launches some of our activities are an ideal way of giving staff and clients a great fun time. “The project has already successfully delivered for several weddings and special events and customers know that spending money with us helps GHoPA to provide more social support for the local youth.”
