News Release (as appeared in the Totnes Times, April 2009)
Cycle challenge aims to raise money for Ethiopian children
Cycle challenge aims to raise money for Ethiopian children
A 63 year old Dartington man is set to cycle from Lands End to John O’Groats to raise money for a charity, Ethiopa Education Aid.
Maurice Clarke has been stepping up his training in order to tackle the 1,000 mile journey and aims to set off from Lands End on Saturday 9th May.
Maurice hopes to ride between 50 and 60 miles every day and says his determination and inspiration comes from the visits he and his wife, Susan, have made to Ethiopia .
“ Ethiopia has suffered from devastating droughts and famine and coupled with the effects of war, life is a daily struggle for the people”, said Maurice.
“HIV/AIDs is increasing, leaving children without families to help them. We now sponsor nine young people through education and also support an orphanage.
“It should be every child’s right to receive an education to help them reach their full potential. Having visited Ethiopia on several occasions, we can see the result of previous fund raising. We pay for our own travel to the country and make sure that all money donated is directed to the children.”
The charity has already helped Sonido, aged 5. His father has died from HIV and his mother has the disease. The charity has bought a school uniform for him, given medical help and the support of a social worker.They are also supporting Elisabeth, aged 13 who lives in a plastic hut beside the road.
Anyone wanting to sponsor Maurice can contact him through a comment on this article, or call him on 01803 864158
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