‘Return us to the raft? In this weather? We’ll freeze to death!’ Fran glances across at Caroline who’s stamping from foot to foot and rubbing her arms. Even with helmets and waterproof jackets under their life jackets, it’s bitterly cold.

‘You won’t be out there for long,’ Evan says. ‘Forty-five minutes, tops. There’s a lot of thick undergrowth either side of the river and even if we did get you onto the bank it’s miles from a road. Much safer to get back in the raft if you fall in the water and continue on to the end of the course.’

Fran blows out her cheeks. The only reason she agreed to go on the trip in the first place was because she was hoping to have a quiet word with Damian, but each time she approached him Kate sidled over and interrupted.

‘All right then,’ Evan says. ‘Everybody ready? Let’s get going then.’

To Fran’s great surprise, white-water rafting is actually quite a pleasant experience. After a halting start they’ve got into a rhythm. She’s sitting between Caroline and Damian, with Kate, Renata and Phoenix on the opposite side, and their instructor Evan perched on the end. They’re moving at speed, skimming the surface of the water, working as a team. That was another of Tom’s reasons for choosing this activity. The first day was about non-judgemental listening and now they’re working on trust and communication. Not that Fran’s communicating with anyone, she’s too focused on the scenery to join in with the chat. Their river route really is quite beautiful, cutting through the Snowdonian forests, huge great Norway spruces and beeches lining the riverbank, the water glistening in the weak February sunshine. It’s nowhere near as relaxing as being punted along the Cam in Cambridge but the air is fresh and clean and she’s enjoying the exercise.

‘Okay then, guys,’ Evan shouts. ‘Once we get round this bend we’ll meet some rapids. You’re going to be thrown around a bit but don’t panic. Just do as I say. When I shout at you to paddle, paddle!’

Phoenix, sitting diagonally opposite Fran, squeals. With excitement or nerves she’s not entirely sure.

‘Everyone ready?’ Evan asks.

‘Would it matter if we weren’t?’

‘What was that Geraldine?’

She shakes her head. ‘Never mind.’

‘Okay, here’s the bend. All right! Everyone hold onto your hats. It’s about to get bumpy!’