Rev Alan Clarredge says his work is dangerous but be will not give it up
A retired medical technician from Dorset, who treated President Mugabe's first wife, is celebrating 30 years of helping fix Zimbabwe's water problems.
Rev Alan Clarredge, 71, from Bournemouth, was so affected by the conditions he saw while working for the first lady he started a charity supplying water purification equipment.
He has been told by the country's health authority his work has helped saved about three million lives.
"I do it because I've lived with the people and seen their needs," he said.
In the early 1990's Mr Clarredge helped provide dialysis treatment for Sally Mugabe who was suffering from kidney failure.
This year is the 30th year he has been working in Zimbabwe.
'There are risks'
During his time in the country his foundation, Rivers of Living Water, has helped supply almost £300,000 worth of equipment that purifies water in small village clinics.
In recent years the country's economy has suffered rampant inflation and shortages of food and fuel.
Many Zimbabweans survive on grain hand-outs and Mr Clarredge says that cholera is still a problem in parts of the country.
Last year he attempted to fly 1.5 tonnes of medical supplies to the country but the Zimbabwean plane it was due to be sent on was impounded so he was forced to send it by sea.
The shipment is currently en route to the country's capital Harare and Mr Clarredge will shortly fly out to help distribute it.
Despite the dangers of the job he has no intention of stopping his work.
"There are risks," he said. "Last year we were making our way to a farm and were stopped and warned there was an ambush set up ahead.
"But I love doing it and see it as an honour to be able to do a little something to help the people of the country."
"The hospitals have no medicines what so ever."
This Saturday Mr Clarredge will be holding a coffee morning at Rossmore Gospel Church in Poole to help raise the money for his trip.
Registrar ROBIN Scott
Host DON Driver
Raffle NEAL Curtis
Bar IAN Monkhouse
In support of National Children's Day UK - Sunday 12th May 2024 celebrates the first Boscombe Children's Carnival, highlighting the societies, clubs and outdoor activities local children can enjoy in our area
Santa's Grotto Boscombe and Southbourne Rotary Club, Westbourne Rotary Club and Sovereign Shopping Centre. Brought Christmas joy to 2 month old babies, 86 years of age lady and pets.
A Joint project with the Rotary Club of Veliko Tarnovo in Bulgaria to install playground equipment to a local Kindergarten in Resen overseen by Rotarian Leon Warner
Donations will still be welcomed for the following projects
Rotary Tree of Lights, please include reference RTOL with your payment and General donations, please include GENERAL with your payment
A letter of thanks published in the "Daily Echo" from our very dear friend Mary Randell who we have supported for many years.
We were pleased to receive an Email from Rotarian Major David Alton Salvation Army.
