Emilia Edwards, 22, from Bath, is taking on an epic challenge and running in the Uganda Marathon with the Ripple Effect Uganda team.
The Marathon, which describes itself as an ‘adventure like no other’ takes a route through the Ugandan countryside, returning to its starting point in Masaka.
Inspired by her commitment to the cause, the marathon organisers offered up 10 extra places for Ripple Effect Uganda, which were eagerly snapped up by the charity’s staff (right). Send team Ripple Effect Uganda your support or donate to Emilia’s Just Giving page.
“It's a privilege to run in the Uganda Marathon for Ripple Effect. I recall seeing the memorable cow print as a bystander at the Bath Half and when I showed an interest in finally running the Bath Half myself for them, I was so encouraged by the lovely team that I also signed- up for the Uganda Marathon. “Seeing the reality of the situation out in Uganda and helping with the local projects will be emotional and rewarding, however, the journey getting to this point has been as incredible, and I'd like to thank the Ripple Effect team for their support in the lead up to this exciting opportunity!” - Emilia Edwards, Bath
Emilia has a background in agriculture, and has seen how inefficient farming methods can lead to waste on a grand scale, even here in the UK. She explained,
“I've wanted to raise awareness of this issue and help communities in Africa to become better educated in farming methods, to become self-sufficient, which is Ripple Effect’s approach.
“I am inspired by Tristram Stuart's book on food waste, which highlights these issues in incredible detail. This opportunity in Uganda will help me to better understand the daily difficulties for families and young children as well as how the projects help them grow their own futures.”
We asked Emilia if she had any worries about the trip or the run itself:
“My main fear is the weather forecast - running a half marathon in the middle of a rainstorm will definitely be an experience! But I look forward to meeting the Ripple Effect team in Uganda and hearing about some of the successes they have achieved in helping the local community, and of course, I look forward to seeing them cross the race finish line, a few hours later.”
Emilia will be documenting her whole experience in Uganda and hopes to raise awareness of the struggles of communities in Uganda and how Ripple Effect helps to eradicate hunger and poverty.
Henry Blanchard, Director of the Uganda Marathon told us a bit more about the race itself:
“The Uganda Marathon was created with a vision to uplift communities across Uganda. As a non-profit event, our main aim is to support as many worthy causes in the country as possible. On June 1st, 5,000 runners will cross the start line - continuing the legacy of Uganda's largest fundraising event, in our biggest ever year.
This year we're delighted to partner with Ripple Effect - a fantastic charity that does truly worthy and important work. Ripple Effect are bringing a team that mirrors the diversity of the race. Runners from Uganda and across the world walk, jog and run shoulder-to-shoulder, all to make a difference to those that need it most”.
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