Written by Isabella Perrin

Leggit, Bournemouth University’s yearly RAG event, saw students once again hitchhike as far away from the town as possible in three days while raising money for Dorset-based charity, Diverse Abilities.

One lucky team, Team Clueless, travelled to Paris, after travelling 366.7km from the university.

At the start of their journey, Alice Morgan, Janki Patel and Ellie Tijou hitchhiked their way from Caen Ferry port, with a goal to get to the French capital.

After a tiring trek in the early hours of the morning, a family of four picked up the team and drove them to a cheap hotel

Events management student, Janki said: “Hitchhiking was exhilarating even though the pitch black road was scary.”

The team also said that in order to get as far away from Bournemouth, you have to set a goal but you also have to “be there in the right place at the right time” and with a stroke of luck, Clueless managed to get to the city, raising a total of £235.

The 36 hours was nearly up and the team had no way of getting home, but luckily, two middle aged women paid €47 for their taxi to Caen Ferry port.

“It made me feel so emotional because the ladies were so worried about our safety and it was so generous of them to help us,” retail student, Alice, said.

“I didn’t realise people could be so kind.”

Another team, Team Neighbours, did not have as much luck, although they did manage to raise £310 for the charity.

Events student, Polly Phillips, said: “It was a bit of a nightmare, but it was a great experience and we raised a lot of money for a good cause.”

Polly added: “Be brave, open-minded and mentally prepare yourself.”

This year, Bournemouth RAG were successful in winning two national awards at the RAG Awards.

They picked up the Local Impact Award, while BU student Shannon Knight was given the RAG member of the year prize, beating off competition from across the country.

Katie Wayman , hitch coordinator, said: “It’s a really good way to fundraise in such a short space of time, and one team managed to raise £745.”

Over all, the charity raised around £4500 for Diverse Abilities.

Donations can still be made to each team on their various JustGiving pages.

Nancy Turner

November 20, 2021

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