Fundraiser in unique charity challenge

Paul Sheerin

A food and drink consultant from Rochdale is taking on a huge charity challenge – with an extraordinary twist.

Paul Sheerin, 43, is going to walk from Land's End to John O’Groats, but is leaving the success or failure of the walk in the hands of the public and their generosity – because he is attempting to walk with no money, no food, no accommodation and no kit.

Mr Sheerin, who needs the help of others to donate food, drink and accommodation for the 1,115 mile walk, is raising money for Kasupe, a charity set up to help relieve poverty in Malawi, and Sport Relief.

Mr Sheerin, will set off on his journey on 1 June, he said: “I will be walking unaided and without any money whilst raising funds for Kasupe - living as an African would do on very low funds and relying on the generosity of others.”

Kasupe was set up by a friend of Mr Sheerin’s and it has set about building schools in Malawi, to give the children there an education and improve their quality of life. 

A secondary school has already been built, giving 720 children much needed education.

Kasupe is now building a primary school. So far one block has been built meaning 160 children who didn’t attend primary school before will be able to.

Mr Sheerin is hoping to raise enough money to finish the next section of the primary school in Malawi as well as helping Sport Relief in its campaign to help underprivileged children from UK and oversees.

Whilst he hasn’t set a definite target Mr Sheerin says a block to accommodate 160 children costs £5,000 to complete and he would be delighted to get another 160 children into education.

Mr Sheerin, who has taken part in fundraising walks and marathons in the past, aims to walk 26 miles a day over a 47 day period but said the route could change depending on what offers of support he receives.

Any cash donations he receives along the way will be donated to Sport Relief and any sponsorship from credit or debit cards will be given to Kasupe. 

Although not yet confirmed, Mr Sheerin is also hoping to raise some funds for Scotland-based charity Wild Hearts.

He is currently on the look out for donations to make the trip a success and sponsorship for his chosen charities. To support Mr Sheerin or for more information visit: www.acase4.co.uk 

To keep up-to-date with Mr Sheerin’s progress you can follow you him on twitter @acase_4