World record-breaking sailor, Mike Perham, inspires pupils at Brownhill Primary School to realise their greatest ambitions
Tuesday, March 30, 2010- Mike Perham, the youngest person to sail solo around the world, visits local school in Leeds
Leeds, 30 March 2010: Mike Perham, world record holder and CSR
ambassador for payments specialists VocaLink, visited Brownhill
Primary School in Burmantofts today as part of the 'Live the Dream'
schools programme. This unique VocaLink corporate social
responsibility initiative aims to inspire young people to realise
their greatest ambitions.
Brownhill Primary School was chosen to be part of the programme by
VocaLink client, Yorkshire Bank, and the event was attended by
several of the Bank's employees who currently support the school
through volunteering. The pupils heard Mike speak about his
experiences, watched a film of his epic sea voyage and participated
in an interactive mentoring session with the 18-year-old. The day
was designed to allow Mike to encourage pupils to fulfil their
dreams and demonstrate how he has turned his dreams into a
reality.
Jacqui Atkison, Community Affairs Manager, at Yorkshire Bank, commented: "Mike has inspired thousands of pupils through the VocaLink 'Live the Dream' programme. At Yorkshire Bank we are committed to spending time actively involved in our local communities as volunteers. We are proud to be involved with Brownhill School and to be able to share this initiative with them, and hope the pupils are inspired by Mike's example."
Marion King, Chief Executive Officer, at VocaLink, said: "VocaLink is committed to supporting young people and working with Mike through our 'Live the Dream' schools programme to inspire pupils to achieve their own ambitions. We have seen firsthand just how inspirational Mike's story is to pupils across the world. To ensure this campaign reaches as many young people as possible, we actively seek new opportunities to work with established partners and it has been a pleasure working with both Yorkshire Bank and Brownhill Primary School to create such a successful day. We are all delighted that Brownhill Primary School welcomed our ambassador Mike so warmly."
Headmaster at Brownhill Primary School, Alan Scott, commented: "With his record-breaking achievement, Mike proved to be a very popular guest at our school. We were absolutely delighted to welcome Mike and to give our pupils the opportunity to hear all about his courage and ambition for adventures to come."