Kathmandu Scholarships Awarded -- Outward Bound

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Kathmandu Scholarships Awarded

A female firefighter and a man who survived a 10 metre fall onto concrete are among 12 recipients of Outward Bound courses in this year's Kathmandu 'Live the Dream' scholarship programme.

Firefighter Michelle Harvey from Dunedin was presented with a scholarship for her inspirational drive to achieve in life.  After succeeding in a typically male dominated area of work,  plus overcoming a number of personal and family-related issues, she is determined to continue challenging herself.  

Kathmandu General Manager Marketing, Annemarie Mulder, said Michelle was a worthy recipient after having consistently fought and beaten the "odds" right from an early age.  

"From the age of 12 her father was very ill with heart disease.  To assist her family financially, Michelle took on various odd jobs which helped pay for clothing and expenses for her two younger brothers.  

"Her sheer determination to succeed really came to the fore when she applied for and was accepted into the fire service becoming the first paid female firefighter in Dunedin."  

Simon Deane of Mount Maunganui was also granted a scholarship after demonstrating his incredible fighting spirit when he successfully overcame a severe traumatic head injury.  

"Four years ago while in the Airforce, Simon fell 10 metres onto concrete," Annemarie said.

"He was in a coma for three months and spent nine months in rehabilitation.  Since then, he has had to relearn all the things that most of us take for granted including eating, speaking and walking."  

Despite earlier medical opinion that he would be in a permanent vegetative state, Simon now lives independently and works part-time.  

Other scholarship recipients include: Trent Waldron, Christchurch; Raewyn Hayward, Auckland; Sian Morrice, Pukekohe; Mark Taylor, Winton; Emma Webster, Palmerston North; Nicky Sullivan, Porirua; Scott Cunningham, Albany; Steven Grey, Warkworth and; Elizabeth McKee, Porirua.  

Outward Bound Chief Executive Officer, Trevor Taylor, said the aim of the Kathmandu 'Live the Dream®' scholarship programme which was launched in 2005, is to make it possible for more New Zealanders to experience Outward Bound.  

"The Kathmandu programme gives deserving Kiwis like Michelle and Simon the opportunity to realize their dreams and reach their full potential through the Outward Bound experience," Trevor said.  

"The scholarship recipients will be helped to understand that they alone and no one else is in control of their destiny.  By encouraging them to release their 'personal handbrakes' they will quickly realize that what they previously thought was impossible is in fact achievable.

"Kathmandu is all about seizing the opportunity - living for that moment, getting out there and living the dream. That's why it's so great to be working with a company who also shares our passion in providing people with the opportunity to experience such positive personal experiences."

Trevor said in providing the scholarships Kathmandu was not only helping the recipients but also impacting on the lives of many others who they may come into contact with.   "Regardless of which way you view it, it's a win-win situation for everyone who is involved in the programme."

ENDS

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