The blog lives!!!

Many of you will already know that I cycled out to Lesbos in 2007. Anyone interested in reading about that adventure can do so by accessing the Blog detailed on the top right of this page.

The time draws ever closer for the return trip.  

My proposed route for return is to cycle across Lesbos to the capital, Mytilene, catch the ferry to Ayvalik in Turkey and make my way to Istanbul.  

From Istanbul, catch ferry to Odessa and then cycle round the Black Sea coast to the mouth of the Danube.   I will then cycle the length of the Danube (approx 1800 miles) into Germany and then pick up the Rhine to the North Sea and then back home. (Total distance I estimate to be about 2,500 miles)

I am again raising funds for charity.   I have for some time supported the charity Actionaid, and have agreed with them to allocate any funds to one little boy, Jamadi Odeke who was born in 2005.   Yes, thats him above! Lets see if we can make him look a little happier.

Here is some background information on Jamadi.   He is one of a family of two children.  He lives in Malera village in Kumi district in eastern Uganda with his family.  Their house is made of mud and thatch.  Jamadi's family is Muslim and they speak Ateso.

Farming is the main source of income and food in Kumi.   Crops like cassava, sweet potatoes, millet and rice are grown.   Few people are able to grow enough, forcing families to cut down to just one meal a day; usually millet mixed with cassava porridge.   Like most people Jamadi's family own a small plot of land.   They keep some livestock - most people keep Zebu cattle, goats, sheep, pigs and poultry though in small number.   The lack of income also means families cannot afford many basic necessities like medical care, education and clothing.

Water is scarce, especially during the dry season.   There are approximately 300 boreholes in the area, but only 167 work.   Women and children, who collect water, have to walk long distances to reach these boreholes.

Health and education facilities are inadequate.   Families have to walk over 5 kms to the nearest health centre, which is poorly equipped and lacks essential medication.   There is only one doctor per 24,120 people.   For children who go to school, lessons are often held under trees or in temporary shelters.   School dropout rates are high, especially among girls and 69% of women are illiterate.   Jamadi does not attend school.

Actionaid Uganda will be working with the people of Kumi to build strong community organisations.   Through these groups, they will develop their skills, so they can tackle the problems they face and access their basic rights like livelihoods, food availability, water, healthcare and education.   

I am sure that any contribution will make a difference to Jamadi's future.   Lets see if we can make a BIG difference to Jamadi's life.

Anyone wanting to donate please use the link:-

www.justgiving.com/returnfromlesbos