We first learned about the incredible work APOPO does when Jen dragged Liz to their Visitor Centre in Cambodia in 2022.

APOPO is a charity which trains Great African Pouched Rats to detect landmines in former (and current) conflict zones. These amazing creatures are trained to detect the smell of TNT and unlike dogs, are light enough to not set the landmines off. They can search an area the size of a tennis court in 20 minutes, whereas the same area would take a human with a metal detector up to four days.

APOPO rats have detected nearly 8000 landmines so far in Cambodia alone, as well as over 43,500 UXOs. They have worked in countries like Lao and Vietnam and are currently operating in others such as Ukraine, Senegal, and Angola. With fatalities and amputations from landmines still a regular occurrence across the world, these incredible creatures are allowing people to carry out their livelihoods safely and saving lives.

We are taking part in the Nicaragua Tuktuk Challenge from February 20th-March 1st and will be keeping you updated along the way! This Tuktuk Challenge will require us to learn how to drive and repair a tuktuk (hopefully an unnecessary skill!) as we drive around Nicaragua competing in various challenges around the country.

Liz has already been busy fundraising through her stained glass, some of Liz's friends have very generously organised some fundraising events, and we've kindly been sponsored by Norwegian Log Cabins which currently totals just over £1000. Now for the cheeky part, if you are looking forward to the chaos that will ensue and are willing and able to support our amazing charities (Medical Aid for Palestinians, Orangutan Appeal UK, APOPO Hero Rats), we really do appreciate it as all three are close to our hearts.