Publicity generated by Sheffield-based independent travel company Aim 4 Africa has helped six Maasai warriors to raise almost double their fund-raising target after competing in the London Marathon.
Clients across the country added their backing to the £400 donation made by Aim 4 Africa and a South Yorkshire businessman is in discussions about donating several thousand pounds to the warriors.
So far the warriors, who ran in sandals made from
old car tyres, have raised almost £115,000 to bring clean drinking water to their village in Tanzania.
Nancy Cutinha, of Aim 4 Africa, said: "I was born in Tanzania and I now run a company here in the UK which offers holidays to Tanzania.
"We are very much involved in development projects in Tanzania and other East African countries, and if we can support and raise awareness of causes such as these then we will do so.
"It was great to see, not only my clients supporting the cause but as a result of local publicity, we saw people from across Yorkshire support the project."
Paul Martin, of Greenforce, the international aid agency which has been working with the Maasai on the drinking water project, said: "We are elated that the Maasai were so successful and exceeded the target that we hoped to raise.
"Now the hard work begins to turn the funds into clean drinking water for the village.
"We are working hard to deal with various experts and suppliers to arrange the necessary drilling and construction works to ensure this becomes a reality. We would like to thank Aim 4 Africa and everyone else who sponsored the Maasai, and all those people who lined the streets to cheer the runners on."
Donations can still be made for the project. To find out how you can donate contact Aim 4 Africa on 0845 408 4541 or visit www.maasaimarathon.org
READ MOREMain news indexYour letters.
FeaturesLatest sport.The full article contains 329 words and appears in Star Business newspaper.
