This week, Great Oaks Small School was honoured to welcome Mitch Hutchcraft, a former Royal Marine and record‑breaking adventurer, to speak with our students.

Mitch, who has ADHD, understands the challenges that come with learning and focusing differently. He shared his powerful message that anything is possible with determination, resilience, and support.

A World Record Sea‑to‑Summit Journey

Earlier this year, Mitch completed what is believed to be the longest ascent of Mount Everest from sea to summit in history, a journey spanning over 8,000 miles. His adventure began by swimming the English Channel, before cycling more than 12,000 km across Europe and India, running 900 km into Nepal, and trekking towards Everest. Finally, on a Sunday morning at 07:30 (BST), he stood proudly on the summit of the world’s highest mountain.

More Than an Adventure

The journey, called Project Limitless, lasted 240 days and was about much more than adventure. Mitch explained how he was raising money for SAVSIM, a charity that supports veteran mental health and wildlife conservation. Having served six years in the Royal Marines, Mitch spoke about resilience, loss, and overcoming setbacks, including recovering from a full knee reconstruction that he was told would stop him from serving in the military at all.

Inspiring Our Students

During his visit, Mitch spoke warmly to our students about following their dreams, no matter the obstacles. He described how losing his father at the age of 20 became a driving force for his service and future challenges, but also how having ADHD never held him back—it simply meant finding his own ways of facing difficulties and focusing his energy.

His message was simple but powerful:

“It doesn’t matter how small your dream feels—start now, believe in yourself, and go after it.”

A Lasting Memory at Great Oaks

Students and staff alike were inspired by Mitch’s story of courage and determination. His record‑breaking journey shows that limits can be challenged, and barriers can be broken—with the right mindset and support.

We are grateful to Mitch for taking the time to visit Great Oaks Small School and for showing our community that resilience, honesty, and hope can take you to the highest heights—even to the top of Mount Everest.

Ex-marine tops Everest after 8,000-mile