My name is Damian Janson and I am 19 years old. I am currently living in Centrepoint Derwentside, a project for homeless young people. I’ve been really lucky and Centrepoint put my name forward to take part in the Cycle of Life 2008. In April a team of young people, including me, will set off on a four month transAfrica cycle ride to raise funds and awareness for rural African communities in and around wilderness areas.

I need your help in taking part in this trip of a lifetime –  as I am homeless, and starting to sort my future out I don’t have anywhere near the money or resources needed! I need to raise money to cover everything including – my bike, helmet, clothing, food and drink, transport, passport, vaccinations, travel insurance, luggage, flights, training – the list is endless! I will be asking everyone I know to help, and will hold fund raising activities too. I need to raise about £2500 to cover my costs involved in the trip, any more that I raise will go to Tusk who do a brilliant job  

Starting off in Namibia, we will cycle through Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania and end up in Kenya. I will take part in some, but not the whole route. The aim of the trip is to raise money for projects that aim to alleviate rural poverty in environmentally sustainable ways. This will benefit community development, education and wildlife conservation.
 I am hoping that if I can overcome the many challenges I will face in Africa, I will be able to return to the UK and overcome anything that comes along! I’ve never done anything like this before and I’m really excited but also nervous. This is an opportunity for me to experienceAfrica in a way that can open up my eyes, enrich my life, and give me a new perspective on how I want to live my life from now on. I will have the opportunity to see first-hand the problems of African life and the strength of people who deal with poverty inAfrica every day.

If you can help in any way I would be so grateful – it would mean so much if you could help me reach this goal of a lifetime. Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Tusk Trust will receive your money faster and, if you are a taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.
So please sponsor me now!

Many thanks for your support.