NEW COUNCILLOR REVEALS MARATHON EFFORT

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 22nd May 2009

See picture attached showing (left to right) Cllr Colin Taylor, Sian Ripley and Margaret Ripley.

Colin Taylor, the new Liberal Democrat Sheffield City Councillor for East Ecclesfield, has revealed that he raised an amazing £1,350 for charity by completing three half marathons in April, at the same as campaigning to become a councillor.Colin explained that he had already agreed to support an outreach project in Malawi before the 30th April by-election was announced. Colin said "When I heard about the problems faced by the people in Monkey Bay, Malawi I felt that I had to do something to support them."

Colin undertook these three half marathons (in Blackpool, Redcar and finally Sheffield) in spite of campaigning in the local by-election in East Ecclesfield, where he won for the Liberal Democrats. Colin added "When I was selected to stand in the by-election I knew it would be difficult to combine both of these commitments, but it was important to me that I still supported those people who are in desperate need of our help and where a little money will go such a long way."

The project came about when Sian Ripley decided to spend her 2007 summer break by doing voluntary work in Monkey Bay, on the shore of Lake Malawi. When she arrived she discovered a high incidence of HIV/Aids leading to a disproportionate number of elderly adults and orphaned children. There were approximately 120 children, cared for by the local villagers, who received two meals a day.... under a tree! Sian decided to team up with an English couple who visited annually to raise money to help. Sian will be returning to Malawi in June for 14 weeks so that she can see for herself the progress being made.

If you would like to know more about Monkey Bay, please visit http://www.back-to-school-foundation.de/en/. Or to support this good cause, please contact Margaret Ripley on 0114-2467212.