Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. Kerith Community church started a project, with Tearfund, in 2008. Since then they have raised over £500,000 to educate orphans, help those living with HIV and improve food security in Serenje, Zambia. They have equipped an operating theatre in the hospital and bought a plot of land on which to build a girls dormitory.  You can follow me on my blog http://ralphoncycling.wordpress.com/

There are 72 districts in Zambia (a bit like a county) and in Serenje district all the secondary schools are in Serenje town, so pupils living some way away need accomodation in the town. This is too expensive for many families. Only 1% of the girls finish their education, dropping out because of the expense, pregnancy, an encouraged marriage, or the need to support younger children in the family.

Planning permission for a 100 bed dormitory has been obtained and the money raised to build the dormitory, but as yet there are no funds to furnish it when completed. Simple bunk beds, bedside cabinets, tables and chairs will cost about £10,000 when made locally. They will also need equipment for the staff to look after the girls.  

We aim to raise these funds by cycling the 4000 kilometres plus from Bracknell to Istanbul. Please help us to give these girls a better chance in life! 

The last time I cycled any distance was as a teenager and that is a long time ago now! I seriously started cycling again in September, cycling along the tow path part of the way to work. I now regularly cycle all the way to work and back home, and have just bought a new road bike. Christmas and birthday presents have all been cycling gear and equipment. This is the most physical challenge I have ever undertaken. It will need every ounce of energy and enthusiasm to get me all the way to Istanbul. Knowing that sponsorship is coming in and making it worth while will really help me make those kilometres!

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now. Thank you!