Saddleworth 'Miles in May' challenge will raise funds for Palestine women

The Saddleworth Palestine Women’s Scholarship Fund has organised a 'Miles In May' challenge to help raise money to enable women in Gaza and the West Bank to access higher education.

The scholarship fund formed in 2012 and is affiliated to the Sheffield Palestine Women’s Scholarship fund.

The Saddleworth committee raises funds via two events a year and by encouraging supporters to take out standing orders, however small.

Supporters are invited to undertake a personal sponsored challenge to walk, run, swim or cycle 62 miles this Spring, with each mile representing one of the students sponsored by the Scholarship Fund this year.

The challenge will culminate with a group 6.5 mile circular walk from Friezland Church Hall on Sunday May 21.

The walk will take in the beautiful Saddleworth countryside and include a stop for lunch (bring your own picnic).

It is relatively flat, following the canal, bridal path and River Tame.

The event will conclude with a celebratory Social back at Friezland Church Hall.

Anyone unable to take part in the walk is also welcome.

Alongside refreshments including homemade cakes, there will be an opportunity to purchase Palestinian goods and take part in a raffle for a number of prizes.

Committee members will also offer an update on the situation in Palestine, following their own recent trip there.

The event takes place on Sunday May 21 at Friezland Church Hall, with the walk from 1-3pm and the social from 3-5pm.

Participation is by donation and sponsorship for those who take on the challenge.

Everyone is welcome to take part in as much or as little as they can manage.

The group works in partnership with community groups in Palestine who are active around women’s education and employment and administer the fund there.

University fees in Palestine are around £600 per year, out of the reach of many families.

The fund currently sponsors 62 students in Gaza and the West Bank in a range of subjects including teaching, nursing, dentistry and pharmacy.

95% of donations go directly to the students.

Over the last ten years the Saddleworth committee has raised more than £70,000.

Committee Co-Chair Sarah Hey said: "We stand by our students and all that they hope and strive for and cannot thank enough all those who support us at our events and help make the scholarships possible."

For further information and to register your interest, please contact: saddleworth.pwsf@gmail.com

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