Two young people from Holbeck have returned home with memories that will last a lifetime after completing a challenging seven-day expedition in the Scottish Highlands.
Sonny Kelly (13) and Jaden Thewlis (14) travelled more than 600 miles on a journey that took them from Leeds to the Outward Bound Centre at Loch Eil, near Fort William, where they spent a week pushing themselves physically and mentally in one of Britain’s most spectacular outdoor environments.
The adventure was made possible thanks to the generosity of local organisations, businesses and individuals who believe in investing in young people and creating opportunities beyond the classroom. South Leeds Life covered the fundraising appeal here.
Holbeck-based community organisation Holbeck Together provided vital financial backing, while local councillors Matt Rogan (Green, Beeston & Holbeck) and Ed Carlisle (Green, Hunslet & Riverside) also supported the expedition, recognising the enormous value that experiences like these have in developing confidence, resilience and ambition.
The boys also travelled thanks to the generous support of CrossCountry Trains, whose sponsorship helped make the journey to Scotland possible. Setting off from Leeds Station before dawn, they travelled north to Edinburgh before continuing into the Highlands, beginning an adventure that would challenge them in ways they had never imagined.
Over seven unforgettable days, Sonny and Jaden took part in mountain walks, outdoor challenges, team-building exercises and problem-solving activities designed to build resilience, communication and leadership.
Living away from home, carrying their own equipment and working alongside young people from across Britain and overseas, they quickly discovered that Outward Bound is about much more than climbing mountains.
Throughout the week they met young people from countries including Ukraine and Canada, building friendships that crossed cultures, backgrounds and life experiences. Together they tackled demanding challenges, encouraged one another through difficult moments and discovered that teamwork and kindness are universal languages.
For Jaden, the friendships were one of the biggest highlights.
“I’ve made friends that I genuinely want to stay in touch with. You meet people from completely different backgrounds and realise you’ve actually got loads in common. It gave me opportunities I probably wouldn’t have had if I’d stayed in Holbeck. Every day we were trying something new, and it definitely made me more confident.”
Sonny said hearing other young people’s stories had left a lasting impression.
“It was a long way to travel, but it was worth every mile. One of my new friends from Ukraine has lived in four different countries over the last four years. Listening to everyone’s experiences really made me appreciate what I’ve got. We all encouraged each other through the difficult parts of the week and everyone wanted everyone else to succeed.”
Despite the physical demands, both boys agreed they would do it all again.
“It was exhausting at times,” Sonny said. “But that’s what made it worthwhile. I learned a lot about myself and realised I can do more than I thought I could. I’d definitely love to do another Outward Bound course and maybe even try a different centre.”
Jaden agreed.
“You come home tired, but you’ve achieved something. You leave with memories, new friends and a lot more confidence than when you arrived.”
As someone fortunate enough to accompany the boys on both the outward and return rail journeys, I was able to see the transformation first-hand.
The nervous excitement at Leeds Station before sunrise had become quiet confidence by the time they returned home. They were still the same two lads from Holbeck, but with stories to tell, friendships that may last a lifetime and a belief that they are capable of far more than they imagined just a week earlier.
These opportunities do not happen by accident. They happen because communities work together. They happen because organisations like Holbeck Together continue to invest in local young people. They happen because local councillors such as Matt Rogan and Ed Carlisle understand the importance of giving children opportunities that broaden horizons and inspire ambition. And they happen because companies like CrossCountry Trains recognise the difference they can make by supporting community initiatives.
For Sonny and Jaden, the journey covered more than 600 miles, but the greatest distance travelled was never measured on a map. It was the confidence they gained, the friendships they built and the belief that they can achieve far more than they ever imagined.
That is a journey that will stay with them long after the backpacks have been unpacked.
This post was written by David Kelly
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