Founder & Chairman of African Revival, Tony Allen, is walking the North Downs Way starting on 6^thJuly through to 16^th July – in aid of African Revival and the On Course Foundation

“Lockdown has been a great disrupter, a time that has thrown up so many different challenges around the world to us all.  As a response I felt this was the right time to get fitter, drop some troublesome timber, and discover more of the amazing countryside of the Surrey Hills.  So, I am now ready to attempt to walk the North Downs Way, some 160 miles in 10 days, hoping my training will help me to overcome the ascents and descents on the route from Farnham to Canterbury via Dover.  I will be walking with my friend, and fellow Trustee, Glen James, and in part with Barry Smith, and welcome encouragement from anyone who would like to join us for the odd day as we chat whilst social distancing.  

As many of you know I have a passion for the education of children from rural communities in Eastern Africa.  This has been a tough time for many of them that are served by African Revival, and even more so as our ability to respond has been impacted by lost fundraising opportunities through Covid-19.

I was especially moved by recent damage to Mabilindi school which lost its roof in severe storms, impacting the education of 480 children who attend the primary school from surrounding villages.  The school is in the Maridi State of South Sudan where we have worked for 15 years - a comparatively peaceful area.  Thankfully, we have a team building a new classroom block nearby that can undertake the repair.  I have visited Maridi many times and African Revival provides a good proportion of the formal education - with our schools regularly appearing in the top 10 best performers.  Funds raised by this walk will support the repair of the roof at Malibindi, with any additional funds raised supporting latrine construction.

I will also be supporting the On Course Foundation - a wonderful charity that aids the  recovery of wounded and sick Service personnel and veterans. They support the psychological recovery of their members, helping them find confidence within themselves.  Through an employment programme they support the transition from military service, to a meaningful new career in the golf industry”.

Thank you for the continued support over the years.  Do email me - tonyallen214161@gmail.com - if you would like to join me on this walk – I’d love the company.

Most of you will appreciate this walk will be no mean feat
for an old timer like me!  

If you would like to help, please donate to my page.  Cheers.  Tony