John’s bicycle ride across India will be to help out children (From Ledbury Reporter)

John’s bicycle ride across India will be to help out children

2:10pm Monday 16th April 2012 in News By Robert Hale

A STUDENT from near Malvern is preparing to cycle 700 kilometres across India in aid of a children’s development charity.

John Ditchburn, aged 20, of Upper Welland, is taking part in the fundraising event starting on June 30.

Although he is currently on crutches following an ankle operation, he is confident he will be ready for the event.

“I had to have a bone cyst removed by keyhole surgery, so I’m not getting around very well at the moment, but I hope to get back into training in the next few weeks,” he said.

Mr Ditchburn is studying product design at Staffordshire University.

With fellow students, he will be travelling through the region of Himachal Pradesh in Kinnaur, at the foothills of the Himalayas.

They are raising money for the charity Childreach International and will be visiting some of their projects on the way.

“Childreach International is an international development charity that believe all children should have the opportunity to unlock their full potential in life,” said Mr Ditchburn.

“We start from the bottom up, working in partnership with local communities in the developing world.

“We address children’s most immediate needs, improving access to education, improved health, and greater child rights and protection.

“Childreach International began working in India in 2008 by partnering with locally-run organisations in Gujarat, providing children with education and health care services. Now we have an office on the ground with local staff who have valuable experience working with local communities.”

In support of Mr Ditchburn’s challenge, a charity table-top sale is being held at Malvern Evangelical Church, tomorrow (Saturday) from 10am to noon.

And John can be supported online at mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/johndit chburnaroundindia.