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In January 2010 whilst everyone else is recovering from Christmas and the New Year I'll be cycling 220 miles in Karnataka (nr Hyderabad in India) in ambient temperatures of around 80 degrees.
I'll be doing this in aid of Heal. You can find full details of the cycle India event and of the brilliant work that Heal do at www.heal.co.uk.
I have so many people to thank that it is impossible to do so individually. Your generosity to the needy children in Andhra Pradesh in India has been amazing. Having seen the happy, healthy and achieving children in Heal Childrens' Village in Guntur I can reassure everyone that their donations are being well spent. The amount that the 28 cyclists have raised will enable Heal to start a new Heal Childrens' Village just North of Vijayawada on donated land.
The orphanage is set in beautiful grounds. The 10 cottages are arranged in a circle around the central garden. There are 2 housemothers to each house of mixed age children. Boys over 10 years tranfer to the boys dormitories in the school grounds but the girls stay in their 'family' cottage until they leave, post graduation. The housemothers receive only pocket money but they and their children are safe and secure and receive all the benefits that Heal offers.
There are 110 children in the orphanage. Ages range from about 3 years to post graduation. They attend the school opposite where they mix with fee paying pupils. Heal pay a modest fee for their education. Heal also supports the children of poor parents, who would otherwis be sent to work in the quarry from the age of 5 years or to local farms or industries. The deal is that Heal will pay the parents the very modest sum that their children could earn, in exchange for daily attendance at the school. This way they receive an education, a main meal, health care and clothing.
All administration is done voluntarily by local doctors, lawyers, accountants. The wonderful lady who runs the orphanage, gave up her highly paid Government job to devote her life to the charity.
The cycle ride was quite an experience. If I had realised just how hilly it would be I probably would have said I couldn't do it. However, the training programme set by Mike and the encouragement and support of cycling friends made me more than capable of coping with the climbs and 50 miles each, on four consecutive days. I found that although I started at the back of the pack I ended up with the front group each day. How's that for boasting!
THANKS FOR ALL FOR YOUR DONATIONS.
Best wishes, Celia.
Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Health & Education for All (Heal) gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.
So please sponsor me now!
