Cash raised to help African village scheme

Jun 29 2009 by Ben Guy, The Journal

Not lost for ideas

FUNDRAISING for Mr Murphy’s Africa projects has come a long way in two years.

For the first trip out the team organised a ‘Lost’ event, where sponsored groups were taken to remote locations before having to find their way to a certain point.

That event raised thousands of pounds, and was so successful that Mr Murphy (pictured) has decided to make ‘Lost in Africa’ the core fundraiser for every project.

Last week a team from Gateshead Council took part in one such event, and a fundraising ‘Lost’ for the next trip to Africa will be held in the next few months. One of the attractions of the event is its use of cutting-edge mapping technology, which allows teams to plot their progress as well as allowing organisers to keep tabs on individual teams.

Other fundraising events will be held to complement the ‘Lost’ event, such as a the Second World War lunch and entertainment event which was held at the Wesley Church, Low Fell, and was organised by the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers’ All Ranks Club.

But Mr Murphy hopes ‘Lost’ will provide the bulk of the cash for the trips – and he is on the lookout for teams of five people who are able to take part.

He said: “The idea with Lost in Africa is that people take part in something that is geared towards the trip out there. But it has been such a success that we are also opening it up for corporate events for companies to take part in.

“We have always had brilliant feedback on the events, which is why we set up the website and expanded the idea out.”

For more information visit www.lostevents.co.uk. To speak to Mr Murphy about taking part in a fundraiser, or joining a future project in Tanzania call him on 07754 400947.