Kettering HR professionals 'walking to The Gambia' for school funds

A team of human resources professionals are walking more than 7,000 miles to raise much-needed funds for a school in Africa in a 'Walk to Gambia' challenge.

HR Solutions is backing the project, which aims to raise £30,000 to build, equip and staff two new classrooms at Starlight School by walking the equivalent of a round trip from Kettering to The Gambia and back – a total of an impressive 7,378 miles.

The dedicated team of 27 had walked 4,200.6 miles by May 18, managing the distance to The Gambia and are now are on the home leg.

Chief executive Greg Guilford was spurred on to fundraise the Walk to Gambia challenge by a Milton Keynes colleague Angela Rhodes who has recently been appointed chairman of an international organisation, The Oasis Project (The Gambia).

Mr Guilford said: “We are thrilled to be able to work together as a team to support such a deserving cause. Angela pours boundless energy and creativity into the The Oasis Project, which provides humanitarian support through education to improve health and living conditions - the creation of the Starlight School for children in Bakau is a shining example of their work.”

The staff members, based at their Kettering Venture Park HQ and their Milton Keynes office, are measuring miles covered using personal trackers to calculate the total.

A super-fundraiser, Ms Rhodes is director of Milton Keynes based HR firm Crispin Rhodes that was acquired by HR Solutions last year.

She has raised money for charities locally and nationally, raising over £120,000 including MK Snap, Willen Hospice and the Rotary Club through events including fundraising balls, quiz nights and personal challenges. She hopes to add to this with the Walk To Gambia.

Angela said: “The economy in Bakau has been devastated by the Covid pandemic because nobody is able to travel to visit this amazing country.

"Lots of hotels and tourist attractions are closed and lots of people have lost their jobs. It is a huge challenge for the wonderful people living out there at the moment. Education and welfare is key and this amazing project will help so many children to get the best possible start in life. I urge you to support us if you are able.”

For more information on the Walk to Gambia project click here.