Determined Staines Prep Pupil Canoes to School

05 Mar 2014

As the ThamesValley is in the throws of chaos and despair due to the recent severe flooding, one brave little Staines Prep boy has taken matters into his own hands and despite the horrendous conditions, has been canoeing to school.

Eight-year-old William Brooke lives with his family in the badly affected area of Wraysbury, where they have been surrounded by flood water.  William’s father Colin Brooke said: “Last Monday was the last morning our lane was passable by a 4×4.  William has chest waders but a half mile walk with water up to the top of his legs was going to be pretty tiring for a young boy.  So by Tuesday we decided it was deep enough to canoe the half mile to the top of the road.  We padlocked the canoe to a lamp post and finished the trip to the car by wading the last section of the road.  We used the same method to get home and have been doing this all week.

Mr Brooke added: “Arriving at school on time has always been important to us. We have never been late and have no intention of starting now!”

Headmaster Peter Roberts said: “It has been a difficult week in the local area due to the flooding and many of our families have been affected.  I have been amazed and touched at the lengths some, including William, have taken to get to school to ensure their learning is uninterrupted.  We all hope the floods subside quickly and everyone is able to return to their normal routines soon.”

Although relieved it is now half term, William has been taking it all in his stride, just excited to tell his friends all about his adventures.

 

 

Photo: William Brooke Year 4 (age 8) canoeing to school