WALK FOR WATER: THE TEESDALE WAY

ROTARY CLUB OF STOKESLEY and many Rotary friends and supporters completed a 100-MILE CHARITY ‘WALK FOR WATER: THE TEESDALE WAY’ SEPTEMBER WALK TO RAISE FUNDS FOR ZAMBIA’s VILLAGE WATER CAMPAIGN.  The Rotary Club of Stokesley organised a sponsored walk following the magnificent 100 miles of the Teesdale Way from Dufton in the Cumbrian Pennines to South Gare at the mouth of the Tees taking in the historic and scenic sights of Cumbria, Durham and Tees Valley. The walk, from September 8-15, raised over £5000 for the Rotary-supported charity Village Water, which provides safe water, sanitation and hygiene for, and fosters independence among, African communities and accounts for every penny! The walk was open to all wanting to enjoy marvellous scenery and boost their exercise regime while helping to transform the lives of villagers in Zambia’s Western Province where almost half the population still lacks safe water, where eye infections are prevalent as is diarrhoea, in fact it kills 10 children under five years of age every day in Zambia! Funds raised will help supply wells so that villagers can grow their own vegetables and bananas for themselves and also to sell to raise income. Walkers joined for half a day, a full day and many stayed for every step of the 100-mile way. The walk was led by experienced rambler Ruth Mayes, ably supported by keen hikers from The Rotary Club of Stokesley. The walk was open to all ages. There was a registration fee of £10 per day to a maximum of £30 to cover organisational costs. Those interested can find out more by logging on to: www.rotarywalkforwater.co.uk.