Thank you for visiting my fundraising page. Please dig deep and sponsor me, Ben Willis, online.

The river Niger flows through one of the world's most challenging and least known areas. From its source in the highlands of Guinea, through Mali and Niger before finally entering the Atlantic in Nigeria, it embodies the spirit of West Africa: an orgin of identity, a source of income, a migratory route - in short a vital lifeline for many of the 100million who live within its reach.

But it is also under increasing pressure. For centuries the lifeblood of the region, the Niger is now at daily risk from pollution, encroaching desert and habitat destruction all resulting from human activity.

Together with photographer Daniel Norwood, and with support from the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust, I aim to follow the river from its source to its mouth. Our journey will in parts follow the routes taken by the first European explorers of the Niger, many of whom were sent to their eventual deaths in an attempt to solve the riddle of where the river began and ended. On the way we hope to document the changing face of the Niger and the daily struggle of communities whose wellbeing is inextricably linked with that of the river itself.

View our blog at http://blogs.bootsnall.com/nigerriverproject

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor us: Mercy Ships will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

So please sponsor us now!

Many thanks for your support.