Dave Gets on his Bike in Shopping Centre Cycle Ride for Footprints Orphanage
Starting on Thursday 4 September, Dave will begin his gruelling ride from fellow Grosvenor Shopping Centre Fund establishment, the Dolphin Shopping Centre in Poole. Stopping en route at Basingstoke's Festival Place on Thursday lunchtime Dave will then head for his home shopping centre of Coopers Square on Friday before reaching the finishing post at Freshney Place in Grimsby on Saturday 6 September.
When Dave learned of Kerry Watson's mission to build the first Footprints Orphanage in a small rural community in South East Kenya, where electricity and running water are unheard of, he pledged his pedal power to the cause. The dream to build the orphanage was born when Kerry visited the area as a working volunteer in 2007 and witnessed the families torn apart by HIV/AIDS and poverty, leaving children either orphaned or living on the streets.
Living amongst the families, Kerry witnessed the plight of children who lack basic needs such as food, shelter, water, education and the love and security of a family or parents. A lady of conviction, the life-changing experience motivated Kerry to buy an acre of ground near Majimboni village, close to the foothills of the Shimba Hills, on which to build the orphanage.
After launching the Footprints Orphanage fundraising appeal in the UK, Kerry's next challenge is to return to Kenya to build two simple structures. The buildings will include dormitories, for up to 18 children, two washing areas, a kitchen area, a communal area for eating and studying, a big play area and security from outside elements.
Although a huge undertaking, Dave is no stranger to long-distance cycling. With 16-years experience in the saddle, Dave covers over 100 miles on a weekly basis while he has previously covered the 880 mile ride from Lands End to John O'Groats in just over six days. Dave's other cycling accolades include navigating 525 miles across the Alps in five days last year.
Undaunted by the task ahead, Dave said: "I'm looking forward to the ride as it gives me a great opportunity to raise money for a fantastic cause while doing something I really love. The Footprints Orphanage bike ride will bring together the Grosvenor Shopping Centre Fund centres in sharing Kerry's great vision. I hope shoppers from across the country will get behind the ride and sponsor me. No amount is too small and your donation will make a direct difference to the lives of children in Kenya."
It's easy to donate money to Dave's Footprints Orphanage bike ride challenge. Simply log onto www.paypal.co.uk, follow the easy steps to set up an account, go to Send Money and enter the email address footprintsorphanage1@homecall.co.uk and decide the value you want to donate.
Sponsorship forms can also be collected at Burton's Coopers Square; the Dolphin Shopping Centre, Poole; Festival Place, Basingstoke; or Freshney Place, Grimsby. Anyone using a sponsorship form to donate can also enter the competition to guess the actual mileage that Dave will cycle throughout his three-day challenge for the chance to win vouchers from each participating shopping centre.
Kerry Watson commented: "I'm so excited about Dave's amazing cycling challenge. It's a marvellous thing to do and it will be a wonderful achievement for him. The sponsorship raised through Dave's efforts will hopefully be a massive boost to the Footprints Orphanage fund that since March 2008 has raised £2,600. I would like to say a huge thank-you to Dave and his team. Not only is he helping to raise money towards the build of the orphanage but, with his colleagues across the country, he is raising awareness of the project, which is invaluable and will hopefully bring in more sponsorship in the future."
Dave will be pedalling solo for much of the tour with the exception of being joined by fellow Burton-born motor racing star Martin Plowman. The 20-year-old, who lives in Tamworth, drives in the Formula 3 Euro Series and will join Dave on his run towards Burton on Friday.
The Grosvenor Shopping Centres that Dave will visit en route from Poole to Grimsby will be supporting his efforts for the Footprints Orphanage every step of the way, raising awareness of the initiative on a nationwide scale. The Coopers Square team will be cheering Dave on throughout the ride and a board charting his progress will be displayed in the Main Square where visitors can also pick up sponsorship forms and donate their spare change. You can also keep track of Dave's efforts at the Coopers Square website www.coopers-square.co.uk
If you would like to help raise money for the Footprints Orphanage or have any ideas for fundraising events, please contact footprintsorphanage1@homecall.co.uk
This latest picture was taken on Friday 29th August '08
Other People's Blogs / Comments about "Dave Gets on his Bike in Shopping Centre Cycle Ride for Footprints Orphanage"
Well Done Dave -
Well Done to Dave, even before he starts - it is so refreshing to have a positive story and someone believing in Kerry - (as much as we do !!)
The people of Burton should be proud of these two and support them every step of the way..
Regards
Posted by on 20th Aug 2008
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