SUPPORTERS of a charity which aims to provide African children with protection from malaria will be taking part in a non-stop rowing event to raise cash.
Chiropractor Nikki Collinson, of Worsley Road, Godshill, who has just returned from her latest humanitarian trip to Uganda for her charity, The Africa Children’s Development Trust (ACDT), has organised a charity Row for Life event.
To be staged in St Thomas’s Square, Newport, between July 3 and 5, rowers aim to cover 800,000 metres during the marathon. According to ACDT, that figure represents the number of children who die from malaria each year in sub-Saharan Africa.
A number of teams from various Island organisations have already signed up take part in the row. They include the Isle of Wight Council, Urban Metro Gym, The Heights, Ventnor Rugby Club, Ryde Rowing Club, the Isle of Wight Rugby Club, West Wight Sports Centre, Watson Bull and Porter and a team of ACDT volunteers.
The charity helps provide youngsters with mosquito nets, which protect them from malaria. Nikki also gives chiropractic treatment to children during her trips and ACDT sponsors two schools in Kampala.
An exhibition of ACDT’s work will be on show in the Minster Church of Sts Thomas, Newport, before the rowing event. Nikki said: "We will be rowing day and night. The teams will be coming in relay to row sections of the distance. All the money raised will go to ACDT to support projects for vulnerable children."
Reporter: jonm@iwcpmail.co.uk