News Archive

Water way to raise some money – University of Reading

Dr Fergus Mould and Alison Strange, both from the University's School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, are taking on the challenge of walking from northwest Scotland to the English Channel, in order to raise awareness for the charity WaterAid. With a journey of about 1000 miles, and an expected trip time of three months, Fergus and Alison are to be really put through their paces, so in addition the pair are taking the opportunity to ask for contributions to go towards this hugely important charity, which is dedicated to the provision of fresh water and sanitation to the world's poor. Setting off from Cape Wrath (northwest Scotland) on the late May Bank Holiday Monday, the duo's march south will see them pass through cities such as Inverness (after taking in a few 'small hills') and Edinburgh before joining the Pennine Way, to Chepstow and the Forest of Dean via Offa's Dyke Path crossing the Severn at Bristol and on through the New Forest before finally arriving on the south coast of the Isle of Wight. The trip is completely self-funded, and each walker will be carrying just under 20 kg. They will be camping most of the way, but taking advantage of youth hostels and B&B's when the chance arises. By using a full set of maps and navigating by compass the pair are plotting their course the old-fashioned way. However, they will carry a mobile phone so colleagues can monitor their progress and update the University website accordingly. Fergus (a Senior Research Fellow) and Alison (a Research Fellow) share research interests in sustainable agriculture and wetland ecology and have a strong interest in water-related topics. Fergus said: "We feel the walk offers a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness of WaterAid and the marvellous work they are doing, especially when one considers the hundreds of miles that many people are forced to walk each year simply to provide their family with water that isn't always either fresh or clean. "We're been liaising with WaterAid and visitors to our website at http://www.WaterAid.org/SEC7898_info will be able to make contributions on-line, check our progress and read our regular 'blogs'. At http://www.WaterAid.org they'll also find information on other WaterAid projects. Hopefully, individuals and local companies are going to really get behind us and be as generous as possible. We're only asking for 'a penny-a-mile'." For further information, or to make a donation please contact Dr Fergus Mould on (tel) (0118) 378 8490 or (email) f.mould@reading.ac.uk. End Notes for editors -Fergus and Alison are both available for interview. Hi-res digital images of the pair are also available for media use. Please contact Craig Hillsley, press officer, The University of Reading Tel: 0118 378 7388 Email: c.hillsley@rdg.ac.uk