The New Lyke Wake Club

Crossing – 19-20 August 2018

Dear Gerry,

It is with a heavy heart that I find myself writing you a letter of this grave nature. I represent Wyke 6th Form College in Hull and more specifically the Purple Arrows, Wyke College’s Staff Adventure Group.

The Purple Arrows were formed in 2015 by Andrew Dunne and Christopher G Herring, the focus of the ‘Arrows’ is to challenge staff physically though world renowned outdoor challenges. The group is made up of seasoned veterans Andrew Dunne, Christopher G Herring, Andrea Mason, Samantha Young ( 4 tours) + Kate Clark, Mark Rothery, David Pickering (3 tours) + Toni Knight, Mel Matthews, Amy Rothery, Sarah Thackeray (2 tours) and new recruits Hollie Blakeston and Andrew Bentley. I’m sure you will agree that the ‘Arrows’ are an experienced, no nonsense bunch of rag tag thrill seekers.

For reference- Tours of Duty

2015 – Yorkshire Three Peaks = Completed
2016 – National Three Peaks = Completed
2017 – Crib Goch/Snowdon Horseshoe = Completed
2018 – Lyke Wake Walk (19&20th August) = Completed
(This walk was completed by all of the people named above, in 22 hours)

All persons named above set out on the Lyke Wake Walk at 3:50pm on 19th August 2018. Nobody had any idea what would be waiting for them over the next 22 Hours. The trek began with the group in high spirits, the sun shining and the birds singing. Nothing could go wrong, surely. Quickly the rain came down, the mist closed in and the darkness descended. Our spirits died that night as the blisters spread and the road never shortened. We nearly lost Mason in the Peat Bog as she sunk to her knees. Pickering nearly died three times as a result of physical exertion. Young turned from a polite young lady to a swearing docker’s wife and the new recruits vowed never to fly again with the Purple Arrows. This pain and punishment was relentless, crushing dreams and bodies for the next ten hours.

So to my complaint. Whoever is responsible for this challenge should be held to account for the creation of this act of lunacy. 13 good people still lay broken at the end of the trail. This challenge is no laughing matter, it is recklessly and negligently prompted to unsuspecting victims such as ourselves. I demand answers, I demand retribution, I demand compensation (in the form of a certificate each and any other paraphernalia you may possess). This is not a challenge to be taken lightly and it has cost us our souls and our dignity. The only thing that stopped us falling into the abyss was the unconditional care and attention provided by our support Team, Jim Darmody and Larysa Diak (3 tours each). This challenge is impossible without a dedicated support team willing to work through the night for the sake of their friends.

We completed this challenge In 22 hours as shadows of our former selves.

I hope you act upon the concerns I have raised and feel suitably chastised.

Yours sincerely,

Christopher G Herring
Co Founder of the Purple Arrows Wyke Staff Adventure Group,
Wyke 6th Form College