Action man returns

22/02/2005

Water company ‘Action Man’ is bursting to share the experiences of his life saving charity mission.

Dave Whiteley, facilities manager at Northumbrian Water, has recently returned from the WaterAid supporters trip to Tanzania in Africa where his enthusiasm, ambition and emotions were put to test.

This trip was Dave’s biggest challenge yet.  He witnessed the hardship people without water suffer, having to walk several miles at least three times a day to collect water for their families.

The water available in each of the villages Dave visited was extreme in contrast.  From having no water at all in the first village to having water from a self-built borehole in the fourth village, clearly shows evidence of the support received from WaterAid and the difference it can make to peoples’ lives.

In the villages where WaterAid is working Dave enjoyed mucking in and giving hands-on support.  From helping with the trench digging where a pipe will be laid, to making bricks that would soon make homes, Dave could not do enough to help.

WaterAid is Northumbrian Water’s adopted international charity which provides clean water, sanitation and hygiene education for people in Africa and Asia.

Dave, aged 52 from Tynemouth who has dedicated 20 years of his life supporting WaterAid, said: “Although mentally prepared for the sights I was to witness, the biggest shock for me was the awful polluted water holes that provide people with drinking water – resembling dirty dish water.

“I can’t stress enough the need for our support.  If anyone gets the chance to support WaterAid please take the opportunity – I have experienced and witnessed the desperate need for our help.

“Something which made me realise never take things for granted – from the comfort of our homes to experiencing world culture – was when a girl of sixteen years approached me and felt my hair in amazement, having never seen a European person.”

It costs just £10 to provide someone in Africa or Asia with clean water, sanitation and hygiene education for life which will change their lives forever.

Further information on WaterAid can be found on website www.wateraid.org or by contacting Julie Wilson, fund raising secretary, via email at julie.wilson@nwl.co.uk or on 0191 301 6713.

For further information please contact Joanne Dye, Communications Adviser, on 0191 301 6733.