Water way to raise money for Africa

9:51am Thursday 1st March 2007

A WALK for water became a walk in the sunshine for charity fundraisers in Culcheth on Sunday.

More than 40 people in winter gear got to strip down to their T-shirts and shorts as the unseasonal sunshine arrived in time to make the miles pass by a little more pleasantly.

“As we walked our thoughts were with the women in Africa and Asia who walk these distances every day with heavy water carriers to collect water we would not like to drink.”

Organiser Amy Driver

The walkers had gathered to raise money for Water Aid, a charity that seeks to help people living in countries in the developing world.

"We raised in excess of £2,200 and it costs £15 to provide one person with clean water, sanitation and hygiene education," said organiser Amy Driver.

"That means we will have helped at least 145 people out of the cycle of poverty."

Participants could walk either 8.5 miles or 13.1 miles, the equivalent of a half marathon, on a route across the north Warrington countryside.

"As we walked our thoughts were with the women in Africa and Asia who walk these distances every day with heavy water carriers to collect water we would not like to drink," Amy added.

The event was a great success and a real community effort.

Finishers were given a well-deserved bowl of soup at the Harrow pub in Culcheth and St Catherine's Church in Lowton provided toilet facilities while volunteers acted as marshals.

Members of the local walking group the Spectrum Striders hope the walk will encourage more people to take up exercise.

To find out more about the cause, visit walkforwater@f2s.com