Trust Sponsored Trek Wins Royal Seal of Approval

Having scooped the RAF Charitable Trust's Paul Bowen Award that part-funded an ambition expedition to Mongolia in 2019, students from the East of Scotland Universities Air Squadron (ESUAS) have come up trumps again!

Their 14-day trek, which saw 11 students complete a gruelling 589km cycle ride across inhospitable terrain, has won the University Category in the Prince of Wales Expeditionary Awards, which recognises the very best in leadership, challenge, courage and planning. 

Sqn Ldr Campbell Blake, Officer Commanding ESUAS, received the expeditionary award from Lord Lieutenant of Fife Robert Balfour on behalf of the unit. He said: "I am incredibly proud of the students and staff for Expedition Mongolian Endurance.  The award of 'Best University Unit Exped 2019' from the Prince of Wales is a fitting reward for them.  

"We could not have done this without support from the RAF Charitable Trust (who were the main sponsor), the Ulysses Trust and both the Highland and Lowland Reserve Forces and Cadet Associations."

The students secured Trust funding for their expedition back in 2018 after successfully 'pitching' their plans to a Dragons' Den style panel. The Paul Bowen Award offers an annual top prize of £15,000 to the University Air Squadron that plans the most adventurous and ambitious expedition that, in the eyes of Trustees, helps individuals develop both leadership and life skills.