The Leader info
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This time next week, the La Marina Raiders will be on their way from Spain to Morocco on a 2,000km journey as part of the Maroc Challenge Raid.
Since the Leader first reported on Brian Hampshire and Rob Hull’s charity event, people from the local community have once again come out in force to support them offering sponsorship and donations. “Many kind people in La Marina have donated items such as children’s clothes, toys and games, teddies and much more.” Says Brian’s wife Sharon. “So far we have had a wonderful response even in cash donations so we approached our local Domti and they offered us 30% discount so that went towards buying more stationary for the schools, including chalk and chalk boards, note books, pens, rulers, pencils, pencil sharpeners, colouring books and felt pens, skipping ropes, etch-a-sketch pads and musical recorders. Our aim next week is to purchase more items such as footballs, children’s under clothes, yoyo’s, frisbee’s and bat and ball games so the children can get involved in team playing.”
The Maroc Challenge Raid works closely with the ‘Association des Generations Solidaires’ aiming to improve the quality of life in rural areas of Morocco. Shoe company Garvalín is also a big sponsor providing shoes for the children. Those taking part raise funds for equipment and aids in their projects to help remote villages and schools, “It is about enjoying the adventure and having fun,” says Brian, “but importantly, we want to give something back and help children, something that has always been of interest to me.” Due to the generous donations they have already received, last weekend they made a trip up to the starting point in Javea to hand over a load of clothes and items to the event organisers. The rest, they will take in their Nissan Patrol and personally hand over to the children they meet along the way. “We are also this week going to Crevillente to buy a big sack of deflated footballs to take with us. We can inflate them along the way and give them out to the schools.”
The most recent fundraising event was held last Monday at Zodiacs Bar in urbanisation La Marina, where the evening’s quiz, raffle and play your cards right games, raised a further 110€; every little bit helping them to help the local needy children they will meet along the 2,000km route. The route will take the 44 teams across the deserts and mountains of the Alawite Kingdom, starting in Javea and ending at Essaouira beach in Morocco. It is billed as being a ‘unique raid which aims to provide a low cost alternative for those who wish to experience an extraordinary event that incorporates both sporting and humanitarian spirit.’
It is the first time Brian and Rob have ever done anything like this and you can follow their progress along the way on their Facebook page, just search ‘La Marina Raiders.’ If you would still like to donate, email Brian on hampshire8
.
