Weymouth to Swanage trek to raise funds for poor of Malawi (From Dorset Echo)

Weymouth to Swanage trek to raise funds for poor of Malawi

11:00am Saturday 19th September 2009 in News By James Tourgout

RECYCLING workers Ian Simpson and Sam Courtney are stepping out on a sponsored walk for impoverished Africans.

The duo are trekking 32 miles from Weymouth to Swanage this weekend for the Lake Malawi Projects (LMP) charity.

Ian, who drives the recycling lorry in Weymouth, said: “A friend of mine introduced me to LMP.

“The work they do is brilliant and a little money goes a long way.

“If we can raise £200 that would pay for seeds for their agriculture programme for a whole year, or provide Aids drugs for four people.

“We take so much for granted here – food, clean water and basic healthcare.

“I think it’s important to try to help people who don’t have anything.”

Sam, who works at the Crossways recycling depot, and Ian will set out along the South West Coast Path.

The duo hope to reach Lulworth – 21 miles – in eight or nine hours today and will set up camp before completing the shorter leg on Sunday.

Malawi is one of the poorest countries in the world. The average annual income in Likoma is £100.

Lake Malawi Projects is a national charity which works with communities in the Likoma District of Malawi, Africa.

It runs agriculture, vocational training and Aids prevention programmes.

One of its main aims is to make the district self-sufficient in fruit and vegetables by working with farmers to help them increase yields sustainably.

LMP’s UK co-ordinator Clare Sutton, who is based in Weymouth, said: “Lake Malawi Projects makes a very real difference because we give local people the skills, experience and confidence to drive their own development.

“We are very grateful to Ian and Sam and just hope the sun shines on them.”

To sponsor the duo and to help out the LMP charity contact Clare Sutton on clare.sutton@zen.co.uk or call 01305 771180