Shropshire adventurer launches appeal to help rebuild lives in Nepal
A Shropshire adventurer and outdoors instructor who calls Nepal his second home has launched an urgent appeal to help his ‘international family’ following the devastating earthquake in the country.
Ant Eddies-Davies, founder of Live The Adventure in Stottesdon, near Bridgnorth, has spent over half of his lifetime working and training in Nepal and says he is determined to do what he can to help his friends and colleagues to recover from the utter devastation.
Ant, who has an office near Kathmandu, will fly out to Nepal next month to see what support he can offer and to gauge the long term impact of the earthquake on the country and its people.
Live The Adventure’s phones have been ringing off the hook since the earthquake hit from people wanting to know how to help. The centre has now launched a fundraising appeal to raise £25,000 and provide long term aid to the country and its people.
The appeal, along with an Open Day at the centre on May 31st, will raise money for recognised projects and charities in Nepal and Ant has pledged to personally oversee the funds, ensuring every penny goes directly to those in need.
“I have been lucky enough to spend over half of my lifetime exploring, travelling, guiding and training in Nepal. Over the years I have made so many friends and gained an international family and somewhere I’m privileged to call my second home,” said Ant.
“The infrastructure in Nepal is such that there was no way they could deal with an incident of this scale. The people are some of the most resilient and adaptable I have ever met, they have been through so much over the last decade and are used to helping each other through times of hardship – however with a disaster of this scale they will need help – lots of help.”
The open day on May 31st will give an idea of the earthquake’s impact on the people of Nepal, along with details of fundraising events the centre will run throughout the summer, including a Summer Ball, Music Festival and Peaks and Lakes Challenge.
Ant said he had been contacted by so many Shropshire people wanting to show their support and he hopes this will be a way for them to feel like they can make a difference.
“For those that have had the privilege of visiting Nepal you will know what I mean when I say that it may have the biggest mountains and the best rivers, but what makes it so special is neither of these, it’s the people that live there.
“And those that I have already been in contact with are already so grateful to the public for the support and prayers so far – let’s now help them to rebuild their lives.”
Donations can be made via a special Paypal donation account at http://www.ovac.co.uk/nepal-earthquake-appeal.html.
