SUFA is an independent, African-led, non-profit organisation based in London, UK. We are a small, dedicated charity run largely by volunteers. We support and create opportunities for all those who love Africa to help eradicate poverty and suffering across the continent.

Dr Mark Booth is a fundraiser within SUFA, and a research scientist at the Univerisity of Cambridge.  His work focuses on the health problems associated with water-borne diseases in African communities. He is attempting to complete, alongside his (considerably fitter) PhD student (Angela), the 2007 ASICS London 10K Run, in order to raise money for the Matangini Project -  a programme within SUFA that specialises in providing safe water sources. The money raised will go towards providing boreholes and water pumps in rural primary schools that have no piped water, and where the children are exposed to potentially fatal water-borne infections on a regular basis. The boreholes will provide clean water all year round and lead to considerable improvement in the children's health.

This is the first time Mark (aged 37) has tried to run since he was a schoolboy. He is hopeful of finishing the course within an hour without stopping - and will feel very encouraged to do so if he can raise enough money for 2 boreholes (approx £1000 each).