tHE pROJECT
I am raising £2000 to go out to Zambia as part of the Wallace Group project Volunteer Zambia. The University of St Andrews partners with seven other institutions who work with the Zambian sports NGO – Sport in Action – to help change lives through sport. While there I will be coaching netball to children of all ages and simultaneously working with adults to develop their coaching skills, so that the benefits of the programme are long-lasting.
A bit about me...
I have had the opportunity to play a number of different sports throughout my life and have learned invaluable lessons as a result. I currently play netball and compete in triathlons. I also coach in these sports because I enjoy sharing my skills and experience with others.
WHAT AM I DOING TO HELP RAISE MONEY?
I am doing a number of challenges over the next couple of months in order to help raise money for my trip to Zambia. (Thank you to everyone who offered suggestions!). The five challenges I have decided to attempt are as follows:
1 Neptune Steps - Sunday 22nd March
The UK's toughest open water swimming event! Competitors swim and hoist themselves over seven canal lock gates using ropes and ladders, ducking waterfalls as they go. (Going to have to build some arm strength by the sounds of it...)
2 The Tour de Yorkshire - Sunday 3rd May
A very hilly 78.6km with Stuart...(pictured together with Dad during our Lands End to John o Groats adventure)
3 Hackney Half Marathon - Sunday 17th May
13.1 miles through Dalston, Haggerston and Hackney Wick.
4 Staffordshire Half Ironman - Sunday 7th June
1.2 mile swim | 56 mile bike | 13.1 mile run.
5 Wales Marathon - Sunday 5th July
A 26.2 miles run.
As well as these physical challenges, I will be participating in group fundraising efforts that aim to get the local community involved in sport. Here are some examples of what we are planning:
St Andrews Colour Run
A 5km fun colour run for all the family.
Zumba for Zambia
A Zumba session open to the community.
Children's Sporting Activities
Sports activities during the University's Rugby Sevens tournament, plus a dodgeball tournament and events with a local School!
Where will the money go?
Funds will go to:
- cover travel costs to Lusaka and subsistence costs while I’m living there (and if I meet that target).
- raise further funds for the equipment required to run the sessions.
Rewards...
I have some fab rewards to thank everyone who donates – no matter what you give. Check them out!
KEEP UP TO DATE WITH WHAT I AM DOING...
I will upload weekly blog posts about training, racing, coaching and volunteering to keep you all up to date with what I am up to. Check out the website here:
https://www.speculatestraysmile.com/home/
PLEASE Help Me TO succeed!
- You don't need to give money to help me succeed!
- Please share this project with anyone you think would support me – on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, by email, telephone, in a chat over the fence or on your blog.
- In fact, share it with everyone you know - it's a great idea, and the more people who know about it, the more likely I am to achieve my goal.
- And I know I said you don't need to give money to help, but I'd love it if you did! Please sponsor me and help make this happen.
I am so excited to be taking part in this wonderful project. Thank you!
(All donations received over and above my minimum target will be held securely for the sole purpose of Volunteer Zambia initiatives – now or in the future.)
