Adrian Scarlett, 39, of SS Peter & Paul RC College plans to open school in Zambia (From Runcorn and Widnes World)

Adrian Scarlett, 39, of SS Peter & Paul RC College plans to open school in Zambia

7:50am Monday 5th October 2009

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(2)

ELEPHANTS and a lion were spotted by intrepid cyclists on a charity bike ride through game parks in South Africa.

Tackling 300 gruelling miles in searing heat was a labour of love for Widnes teacher Adrian Scarlett, who plans to build a school in Zambia.

“We had armed game wardens in two vehicles,” said RE teacher Adrian, aged 39, head of personal health education and citizenship at SS Peter & Paul RC College.

“We came across a herd of elephants on the road in front of us and had to wait because they would have been the most dangerous animals to encounter.

“I think it was more nerve-wracking for my wife. She saw a lion.”

Adrian, his Zambian-born wife, Betty, and their nine-year-old son, Bongani, born in Botswana, joined a team of fundraisers to complete the six-day marathon in August.

They travelled through Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia and Zambia.

“It was remarkable,” said Adrian.

“The scenery was breathtaking. We cycled through a game park heavily populated with elephants, giraffes, zebra and lions.

“The terrain was undulating and the heat of the African sun sapped our energy.

“The most exciting part was when villagers and children came running out alongside us.”

Adrian co-founded The Thembinkosi Foundation, a charity to set up a school in Kazungula.

“We want to make a difference to the world,” said Adrian, whose long term goal is to live in Zambia.

“Children will be able to learn farming skills and take home crops they have grown and seeds.

“It will open the door to improve literacy and our provision is for girls as much as boys who tend to be prioritised.

“We will evolve and build as we go.

“My wife and son will be going home and I will be going back to a part of the world where I spend all my summers.”

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(2)