Bike ride to raise cash for orphans

The eighth annual Quicken Trust Sponsored Bike Ride for Uganda hopes to raise thousands of pounds.

The event takes place on July 25-27 during the Hailsham Charter Market weekend.

The previous seven events have raised 115,000 to provide schools, health facilities and clean water supplies to the AIDS orphans and their guardians in the rural Ugandan village of Kabubbu.

Geoff Booker, who is organising the event said, 'The target is to raise at least 13,000.

'Recently we ran an AIDS testing programme in Kabubbu and more than 500 people took part.

'Ten per cent of those tested had AIDS and many were mothers.

'If we can extend their lives we will have given the best chance they can have for their future '“ a stable childhood with mum around.'

The bike ride will feature teams of people taking turns on exercise bikes.

The only requirements for the teams are that they should be of four or more people who can sit on an exercise bike for an hour and turn the pedals.

Mr Booker said: 'There's no race or competition involved, only a bit of light exercise and a sponsorship of a minimum of 250 for the hour.

'So anyone can take part '“ we even have a team of four grannies with an average age of 72!'

This year the event will be raising funds to provide life-saving support for mothers with AIDS so they can live to raise their families and reduce the future number of orphans in Kabubbu by providing AIDS treatment and extra protein to help the treatment give best results to mothers.

So far 31 of the 40 slots have been filled and if you would like take one of the remaining team slots contact 01323 832361 or visit www.quickentrust.com to find out more.