Twenty-five UK transport industry executives will spend a gruelling five days cycling in Tanzania next week in support of a project to improve driving safety standards in the country.
Road deaths are the third biggest cause of premature death in Africa after HIV/AIDS and malaria. International development agency Transaid is working to reduce the number of fatalities by holding professional driver training courses across Africa. More than 1,000 drivers have already been trained in Malawi, Nigeria and Zambia, and the charity is keen to extend its reach to Tanzania early next year.
Teams and individuals from ATS Euromaster, DHL, Michelin and Wincanton are among those who will follow the 420 km route from Dar es Salaam to Morogoro from 8th November. Together they hope to raise £75,000 to help fund the professional driver training course which will be available for bus, coach and HGV drivers.
Participant and ATS Euromaster's Head of Business Development Kevin Steward said: "After months of training and fundraising we are looking forward to completing the challenge and supporting a worthy cause with clear links to our own industry."
Transaid Chief Executive Chris Saunders added: "It's touching to see colleagues and competitors from across the UK road transport industry team up in aid of driver training. The funds raised will make a significant difference to the people of Tanzania and potentially save thousands of lives."
To support the team, or to find out how to take part in Transaid's next challenge event - a 60 km Ethiopian trek in February 2011 - visit www.transaid.org, email aggie@transaid.org or call 020 7387 8136.