Race to raise critical funds

17/05/2007

The plight of those without access to clean water and sanitation is to be highlighted by a charity race day in Great Yarmouth.

Essex & Suffolk Water’s WaterAid race day on May 31st is set to raise thousands for the international charity WaterAid, which works to bring safe drinking water to the developing world.

WaterAid, Essex & Suffolk Water’s adopted charity, is dedicated to saving lives by providing clean domestic water, sanitation and hygiene education in parts of Africa and Asia.  A child dies every 17 seconds in these parts of the world because of the lack of these everyday essentials.
                                                                             
It costs only £15.00 to provide someone with a lasting supply of clean, safe water, sanitation and hygiene education. 

This is the first time that Essex & Suffolk Water has organised a WaterAid race day and it is hoped that it will become an annual fundraising event.

The day, which takes place at Great Yarmouth Racecourse, will feature seven races, all of which have been sponsored by local companies. These include Aquazone, Carillion and Hollerans.

Jenny Abel, event organiser said: “For people in this country getting water is as simple as turning on a tap. For more than a billion people in the world’s poorest countries, the lack of clean water can be quite literally a matter of life or death.

“Waterborne diseases like cholera and dysentery are rife and many children, especially girls, can’t get to school because they have to help collect water for their daily needs.”

To find out more about WaterAid visit www.wateraid.org.uk

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For further information please contact Claire Bishop on 01245 212010.

Note to editors: There are still some places available for members of the press to attend the event. Please contact Claire Bishop on 01245 212010 for details.