A FAMILY from Crowthorne are gearing up for the ultimate summer holiday: one that lasts for 12 whole months.
Rebekah and Nick Bull, along with their daughters Darcy, nine, and Kitty, six, will be ditching the British summer weather in favour of seeing the world in a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
Mum Rebekah, 36, has left her job as a Bid Manager at a firm in Winnersh, while former professional footballer Nick’s career had come to a natural break after his contract managing a team in Margate came to an end.
The girls, who both attend St Sebastian’s Church of England Primary School, in Nine Mile Ride, will be ‘world-schooled’ by their parents while they travel, learning about currency exchange, writing diaries about their adventures, and learning about the world outside Wokingham.
“Every year at school is important, but we wanted to do this before the girls hit secondary school and their GCSEs,” explained Mrs Bull.
“We’ve spoken with the school and they said that they are both bright girls, and they want them to stay that way!
“They have given us teaching materials and ideas for how to incorporate learning into our day-to-day lives, but they have been really supportive of what we are doing.”
And the family will also be lending a hand on their travels. St Sebastian’s supports The Mityana Charity in Uganda, which was set up by one of its former deputy headteachers.
“We contacted them and asked if we could spend some time volunteering for them when we are in Africa, and they agreed,” Mrs Bull said.
“The charity helps schools, health clinics and farms in the area, so we will be visiting a school to help teach English. I imagine it will be a real education for the girls to see the difference between their school at home to what there is in Uganda.”
The family are also hoping the trip will help them appreciate what they have, and learn not to be so frivolous.
Mrs said: “It will be useful for the girls to understand the value of what they have, especially when they see those who don’t have as much.
“The girls will be carrying their own rucksacks, so they need to work out exactly how many clothes they need to bring.
“The biggest problem for them at the moment, though, seems to be how many stuffed toys they can bring! The answer is one!”
The family have started an online blog where they will keep friends, family and followers updated on their adventures.
Mrs Bull added: “People have told me that we will lose track of where we have been and what we have done, so the blog will be something we can look back on afterwards and remember exactly what we’ve done.
“I think it’s amazing that the girls will have these memories, when they go for job interviews or apply for university when they are older, they will have all these wonderful stories.
“I just want them to know that there is more to life than just going to school, going to college, going to university, and getting a job.
“They don’t have to follow that path. There is a whole world out there and they can be whatever they want, wherever they want.”
Despite having the route planned, Mrs Bull admitted to some last minute nerves.
She said: “I’m nervous, there is still a lot to do before we fly out to South Africa on August 23, there are so many unknowns. It occurred to me the other day that I probably wouldn’t see British currency for a year, that was weird!
“But it’s exciting, we’re all excited. I’m looking forward to seeing the Taj Mahal and spending Christmas on the beach in Australia. I’m looking forward to not only experiencing all these new things, but seeing it all through the girls’ eyes, because they will see it all completely differently.”
To keep up with the family’s adventures over the next 12 months, visit www.bullsaroundtheworld.com
