A 22-year-old from Bath, Emilia Edwards, is set to take on an epic challenge by running in the Uganda Marathon this Saturday, 1st June, in aid of local charity Send A Cow.
The marathon, which describes itself as an ‘adventure like no other’, takes a route through the Ugandan countryside, returning to its starting point in Masaka.
Emilia is running to raise funds for the Bath charity Send a Cow to support the Uganda Orphans Project in Uganda, visited last year by the actor and charity’s patron, Ben Aldridge.
Inspired by her commitment to the cause, the marathon organisers offered up 10 extra places for Send a Cow Uganda, which were eagerly snapped up by the charity’s staff.
Emilia said: “It’s a privilege to run in the Uganda Marathon for Send a Cow. I recall seeing the memorable cow print as a bystander at the Bath Half and when I showed an interest in finally running the Bath Half myself for them, I was so encouraged by the lovely team that I also signed up for the Uganda Marathon.
“Seeing the reality of the situation out in Uganda and helping with the local projects will be emotional and rewarding. However, the journey getting to this point has been as incredible, and I’d like to thank the Send a Cow team for their support in the lead up to this exciting opportunity!”
Emilia has a background in agriculture, and has seen how inefficient farming methods can lead to waste on a grand scale, even here in the UK.
She explained: “I’ve wanted to raise awareness of this issue and help communities in Africa to become better educated in farming methods, to become self-sufficient, which is part of Send a Cow’s approach.
“I am inspired by Tristram Stuart’s book on food waste, which highlights these issues in incredible detail. This opportunity in Uganda will help me to better understand the daily difficulties for families and young children as well as how the projects help them grow their own futures.”
Emilia will be documenting her whole experience in Uganda and hopes to raise awareness of the struggles of communities in Uganda and how Send a Cow helps to eradicate hunger and poverty.
Speaking about the race, Henry Blanchard, Director of the Uganda Marathon said:: “The Uganda Marathon was created with a vision to uplift communities across Uganda. As a non-profit event, our main aim is to support as many worthy causes in the country as possible.
“On June 1st, 5,000 runners will cross the start line – continuing the legacy of Uganda’s largest fundraising event, in our biggest ever year.
“This year we’re delighted to partner with Send A Cow – a fantastic charity that does truly worthy and important work. Send A Cow are bringing a team that mirrors the diversity of the race.
“Runners from Uganda and across the world walk, jog and run shoulder-to-shoulder, all to make a difference to those that need it most.
“It’s a beautiful course that mixes road, hills, trail and scenery as it winds through Ugandan villages and the main town of Masaka. Not a race to achieve a personal best, but a route to be savoured and enjoyed.
“We can’t wait to welcome their team of runners from Uganda and the UK – and we know that all the fundraising they do will go to support their brilliant mission”.
Emily Lynch, Events Fundraising Manager for Send a Cow, added: “We are so grateful to Emilia for taking on this challenge to support our work, and it’s really great that Send a Cow Uganda team are able to take part!
“We hope lots of people donate to help them all smash their fundraising targets. These funds could enable us to support many families to lift themselves out of poverty”.
