College technician rides out for Aids orphans

THE plight of Zimbabwe's Aids orphans has inspired a college technician to get on his bike for a gruelling 435-mile cycle ride to raise money to build an orphanage.

Asher Mupasi, an educational technician at Stoke-on-Trent College, left his native Zimbabwe 29 years ago to live in Birches Head.

But in April he will return to cycle across the country and achieve his dream of raising £12,000 to build a home for orphaned children in a town called Chatsworth.

The 49-year-old member of charity Help International, which looks after orphans in Third World countries, will be taking a clown as part of the cycling team and distributing pencils and toys. Mr Mupasi said: "I have never done anything like this before, but I want to raise awareness of what is happening in Zimbabwe and try to help."

The 10-day journey will take riders from second city Bulawayo through Chatsworth before ending up at the capital, Harare.

The group will carry all their own equipment, including tents.

The handful of riders from all over the country, as well as Zimbabwean locals, will also take 'bike ambulances' – stretchers on wheels pulled by a bicycle – to villages.

They have been made by Stoke-on-Trent College, with wheels donated by Stoke-on-Trent City Council from recycling centres.

Clive Wood, college marketing manager, said: "The college is happy to be supporting Mr Mupasi on this extraordinary trip to Zimbabwe, which will add to the thousands of pounds raised by college staff and students every year."

Mr Mupasi said: "African weather can change suddenly and the journey will involve a lot of hard terrain, up and down hills, and it should be quite hot.

"I'm looking forward to it, though, in particular meeting children in the villages and handing out presents."

The team is appealing for people to donate presents such as balloons and pencils for the children, as well as camping equipment for the riders.

Two events will also be held in the run-up to the ride. A cultural music night, involving rock, folk and Indian musicians, will be held at The Bridge Centre, Birches Head Road, Birches Head, from 7pm on February 1.

Tickets cost £10 and are available on 07965 047860.

An international food evening will be held at Cobridge Community Centre, Bursley Road, Grange Park, Cobridge, from 4pm on February 15. Tickets, costing £10, are available on 01782 838045.