Ex-George Ward teacher praises town’s support for £1million charity challenge

Story posted on January 5, 2022

FORMER George Ward School teacher, Chris “Cam” Cameron, has praised the support of the town for his upcoming £1million charity challenge. 

Chris “Cam” Cameron

Cam – who was a science teacher and head of year at George Ward School for 12 years – will later this year in June attempt to live for one week on Rockall, an uninhabitable granite islet situated in the North Atlantic Ocean, 230 miles west of mainland UK.  

He will stay on a ledge no bigger than 3 metres by 1.4 metres battling winds and waves with his friend and ex-navy colleague, Dr Chris Grieco.  

Money raised from the challenge will be donated to Children’s Hospice South West, which provides respite care for seriously ill children and their families, and also the Royal Navy Royal Marines Charity.  

And following a story in the Melksham News last year, the community has put their hands in their pockets to show their support. 

“The folks from Melksham have donated more money to the cause than any other group,” said Cam. “Per capita, Melksham is the best! Many thanks for your amazing support.” 

About his training for the challenge, Cam said, “Just had a meeting with Aldo Kane – former Marine Sniper and extreme expedition leader and TV personality. Great meeting, things are afoot!  

“And I’ll soon post a video of me swimming around Craigen Roan in Scotland in 8C sea temperature in preparation for my Rockall trip.” 

Cam will be following in the footsteps of only five other people who have successfully stayed for more than one night on Rockall. The current world record holder, Nick Hancock, who stayed for 45 days on Rockall in 2014, will act as a consultant on the trip.  

For more information about Cam’s Rockall 2022 Expedition and to follow his progress, visit the website: www.rockall2022.org