Unfortunately I have been unable to take time off work to complete the expedition before Bolivia. This is extremely disappointing and should any of you wish to have you donations returned since the challenge has not taken place I will do so immediately. I apologise for this considerable change in circumstances. 100% OF STANDING DONATIONS WILL BE GOING TO INTERNATIONAL SERVICE. PLEASE STILL DONATE.

Hi guys thanks for taking the time to read this page!

We all know charities are a good thing so here I am with yet another worthy cause reminding you to do your bit!

MY CHALLENGE: I am going to be walking the Ridgeway to raise awareness for the outstanding work of International Service.

For those of you who don’t know…the Ridgeway is an 87mile (139 km) hike through countryside and woodland, along a chalk ridge. It is Britain’s oldest pathway with evidence of it being used 5000 years ago. So I’ll be trudging past prehistoric burial mounds and other such wonders I have yet to research.

It should take me 5 days. I'm doing it solo and depending on how fearless I'm feeling I plan to be wild camping! This tremendous feat will begin sometime in the second week of August.

(It's just dawning on me that this kind of physical exertion could well break me. I have had to quit drinking and smoking! …and will be practicing walking 25km in a day! I normally lack even the mental determination and enthusiasm it took to make this website, so I hope you realise how much I want to inspire you to SPONSOR ME!!)

MY CAUSE: International Service was originally set up by the UN. It was its long term and thorough approach to dealing with poverty that appealed to me. Working with community-based organisations, international charities and government bodies it seeks to secure an understanding of human rights at every level of the local social strata and within the global community.

Their work inspired me so much I will be going to join one of their projects in Bolivia this September for a minimum of 3 months.

Bolivia is the poorest country in South America…so that’s pretty bad whatever your knowledge of the continent.

Almost half the population is under the age of 18 and UNICEF reported that over 230 Bolivian babies die every day.

Tragically Bolivian culture itself does not yet have an ingrained respect for children’s rights and children are still considered as objects and property. The state itself disregards the existence of children without a birth certificate, which most can’t afford, and violent abuse of children is common, even in schools.

To top it all off Bolivia is the world’s second largest (and growing) producer of coca leaf, which supplies Columbia's infamous cocaine production industry. These vagrant street children are often forced to work on these farms or go into prostitution.

International Service works with charities such as Aldeas Infantiles and Child Fund to break this cycle of poverty and inequality (one of which I'll be working for soon!) It is tackling Bolivia’s long history of political, economic and social problems by educating the locals about human rights and providing immediate relief and support to every child they can.

I have pledged to raise £800 which will go towards funding the placement of local volunteers within the scheme, whose involvement is key part of International Service’s success.

PLEASE DONATE THROUGH THIS WEBSITE OR CONTACT ME FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

SPONSER ME TO WALK 87 MILES AND HELP THE WORK OF INTERNATIONAL SERVICE TO CONTINUE! THERE IS SO MUCH TO BE DONE!

 

(Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.)