Fundraising WaterAid Walk, Dorset, 11 May 

Work up a thirst by taking part in WaterAid’s eighth sponsored walk to raise money to provide some of the world's poorest people with access to safe drinking water.

Previous WaterAid walks have raised over £48,000, enough to supply over 3,000 people in Africa with sustainable safe water and sanitation, by providing water points and hygienic latrine facilities.

As a nation of tea lovers, we are lucky enough to turn on the kitchen tap and out flows a plentiful supply of fresh clean drinking water. We are encouraged to drink eight glasses of the clear-stuff a day, so it may come as a blow to discover that, 1.8 million children die every year as a result of diseases caused by unclean water and poor sanitation. This amounts to 5,000 deaths a day; humbling facts considering in Britain access to safe, clean drinking water is the norm, and even bottled water isn't considered a luxury.

Regional Development Officer for WaterAid, Vanessa Ashton said, “Almost four children die every minute as a direct consequence of unsafe water and sanitation. Do something for your own health by walking and something for the health of the 1.1 billion who lack clean water by raising money for WaterAid.” Voted Britain’s Most Admired Charity in 2006 by its peers in the voluntary sector and one of Glastonbury Festival's main charities, WaterAid is seriously making it's mark.

This year’s WaterAid walk is on Sunday 11 May, with a choice of three distances: 16 miles from Solent Beach in Bournemouth, 10 miles from Branksome Dene Chine in Poole and 6 miles from Shell Bay. All three walks take the same route along the beautiful Dorset coast, ending at St Edwards Church Hall in Swanage, where some well-deserved refreshments will be available.

For more information or to sign up for the event please contact: This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it or telephone Event organiser Margaret Earnshaw on 01929 424684. (Kezia Clark)