I have not taken part in a race before, but thought I would put my mind and body to it, to try and raise money for Arukah Network.

What am I doing:

I am taking part in the load bearing category of Fan Dance on 6th July 2024. I will carry 17kg over a 24km route, with a total ascent of over 1700m.

The route is steep and over rough ground, it has been used by the Special Forces since the 1950s as it is not only a physical test but also tests resilience and really breaches into the mental aspects of fitness.

Who am I trying to raise money for:

The charity I am raising money for work to relieve sickness and promote physical and mental health in vulnerable communities in low and middle-income countries, in Sub Saharan Africa and India.

Read more....

I work with Dr Ted Lankester at Arukah Network. Ted trained and originally worked as a GP. In the 1980s, he lived in the Himalayas, setting up health programmes in mountain villages and refugee camps. He has written a text book, published by Oxford University Press 'Setting up Community Health Programmes: a practical manual for use in developing countries'. He co-founded Arukah Network and continues to pursue this vision alongside his work as a medical adviser at Thrive.

His experience and vision contributes enormously to Arukah Network, to work collaboratively with communities in new approaches to health and development.

Arukah Network currently works in Tanzania, Zambia, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Kenya and India.

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. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.