Previous projects include installing a water system into a village which has never yet had running water, creating contour bunding to retain monsoon rain, constructing solar powered electric fences and digging elephant-proof trenches around the villages and cultivated lands to prevent elephants and humans clashing which can cause unnecessary loss of life on both sides.

A little bit about Paddy - In support of my efforts to volunteer in India my lovely boyfriend, Patrick, is planning a sponsored pedal powered bike ride from Lands End to John O’Groats. This is a trip of some 1100 miles with a lot of hills between the start and finish. His exercise in fund raising jolliness is due to start on the morning of the 10th April and last somewhere between 10-14 days depending on the amount of suffering and the weather.  Patrick is no road riding expert so he’s expecting it to be stupendously uncomfortable and rather arduous. So, if for no other reason please dig deep into your pockets anddonate just for the fun of hearing about poor Patrick’s suffering!

You can follow progress of Paddy’s LEJOG ride in April (& my adventure to India) here on our Team Pickle website – yes, we’re geeks.

A little bit about Raleigh – Remember Patrick’s pedaling efforts are all in the name of raising money for a great charity.  Raleigh is a youth and education charity committed to the personal growth and development of young people from all backgrounds.  It works to empower and support young people from 17 – 24 years so that they can take control of their on lives, contribute positively to society and develop independence and key life skills.  Raleigh in not just about an expedition; it’s about being part of a community of like-minded people. Raleigh’s vision is to inspire a generation to be all that they can be; to awaken a sense of life-purpose and belonging, and unite them as part of a global community who can work together to rise to the challenges of the world we live in.

For the brave – Below are a few more photos of my trip to Belize with Raleigh in 2000.