Press release – 4 April
A man from Sussex is lacing up his walking boots to cover 100 miles and climb 10,000 metres in northwest Scotland for the international disaster relief charity, ShelterBox.
Experienced hillwalker, Adam Lea, will be setting off for nine days of walking in the Scottish Highlands in May, to raise crucial funds for people who have been left without shelter after disaster or conflict.
Adam, 46, says: “The idea for this challenge was inspired by Sir Captain Tom, the 99-year-old who walked 100 laps around his garden during the Covid-19 lockdown to raise money for the NHS. As I have lots of experience in hillwalking, I first decided I’d walk 100 miles of hills, then had the idea to climb 10,000 meters too, and the challenge was born.
“I’ve been a keen walker for many years and have experience in most of the mountainous areas of the UK, so the Scottish Highlands is terrain I’m used to. But I’m still doing lots of training, despite household chores and tending to my allotments sometimes getting in the way.
“The weather has been kind to me, with most days being in fair or good weather, even Spring like!”
The decision to support ShelterBox came after Adam heard about the charity through the Rotary Club of Horsham, where he is a member. ShelterBox is Rotary International’s project partner in disaster relief and the organisations work together to reach more people affected by disaster.
With a PhD in space and climate physics, and a job in tracking and managing the risk of tropical storms, Adam is no stranger to the realities of extreme weather and the disaster that often follows. Adam hopes his challenge will help to spread awareness about the impacts of climate change and raise £1,000 for ShelterBox.
Adam continues: “Tropical storms are some of the most destructive extreme weather events globally, and ShelterBox supports people who have been affected, so I wanted to do something to help.
“Training is going well so far, and whilst I was visiting family over Easter, I managed to tackle some Welsh hills. I’m looking forward to my challenge in May and am most looking forward to climbing a few notable hills and experiencing the spectacular scenery along the route.”
The Cornwall-based charity was founded in 2000 and helps support people around the world who have been uprooted from their homes after disaster or conflict. By providing emergency shelter and essential items like solar lights, mosquito nets, and water filters, ShelterBox provides people with the basics needed to repair and recover after disaster.
Rotary Engagement Officer at ShelterBox, Fiona Turner, says: “We are always in awe of the amazing challenges our supporters take on to help us raise vital funds and awareness of the issues facing people around the world. We rely solely on public donations so we couldn’t continue the work we do without people like Adam.
“Our partnership with Rotary is incredibly valuable as we can collaborate and combine resources and ultimately reach and support more people around the world. So, a big thank you to the Rotary Club of Horsham for introducing Adam and others to ShelterBox, and we wish Adam all the best on his epic adventure!”
People wishing to donate can visit Adam’s JustGiving page.
ShelterBox is currently supporting displaced people across the world in places like Somalia, Chad, Burkina Faso, and Syria.
It’s also responding in Gaza to support some of the 1.7 million people who have been affected by the conflict. ShelterBox has launched an urgent appeal to help fund its response in which it will be working with local partners and Rotary to support thousands of people with tents and essential items like sleeping mats, blankets and water carriers.
ENDS
For more information contact the press office at ShelterBox via [email protected].
Notes to Editors
- Interviews available with Adam Lea and ShelterBox’s Community Fundraising Assistant, John Stanbury.
- Images and captions included.
