Charity Cycle Challenge Helps Children in Africa

A CHILDREN’S charity in the North-East has raised more than £21,000 for a life-changing education project in Africa.

The COCO (Comrades of Children Overseas) Maasai Cycle Challenge saw a team of nine battle torrential rain, blistering heat and unforgiving Kenyan terrain as they rode 150km in four days.

Double Olympic gold medal winner Daley Thompson and TV and radio presenter Colin Murray saddled up alongside the charity’s co-founder Steve Cram, former Olympic athlete Allison Curbishley and six others.

Daley Thompson said: “Having come on the cycle trip and seen exactly where the money goes, I am full of admiration for the team at COCO because the kids seem so happy and full of hope.”

During their cycle ride, the nine COCO cyclists climbed a total height of 4,000m in the African heat, and were guided by members of the Maasai community, who offered an insight into their culture and way of life.

While in Kenya, the cyclists visited Maasai Academy, where Cram and Thompson opened a new nursery classroom, a project that has been funded by COCO.

They met some of the young people who have benefited from the charity’s work in the area and played an impromptu game of football.

Steve Cram said: “I am so proud of the whole group who had to contend with challenging conditions on top of the testing terrain, but they never faltered in their determination and enthusiasm to complete the ride.

“I know that the morning spent at Maasai Academy provided that extra injection of energy required, as they saw first hand how much COCO has been able to achieve in that community due to their efforts.

“Winning the Maasai versus COCO football match was a bonus.”

COCO was co-founded by Steve Cram, from Jarrow, South Tyneside, and British Army Major Jim Panton in 2000.

The charity works with communities in remote regions of the developing world to alleviate the poverty that prevents children’s education, and has raised and invested over £3.5 million since its foundation.

The charity has now supported 50 transformational projects in 16 countries, positively impacting the lives of more than 150,000 people.

Chief executive Lucy Philipson said: “At COCO, we’re proud of the transparency of our work and it is really valuable to be able to demonstrate so clearly how donations are used to make a direct and positive impact on young lives.”

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Source: http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/