Run Nick Run! Chairman runs for charity

Steppes Travel chairman, Nick Laing is running a half marathon at the end of June on behalf of Tusk Trust. Will he survive the heat, the wildlife and the taunts of the Steppes Travel office...?

"Running is not something I have done since crashing my car into a barrack block at 4am, having returned from an illegal sortie to London about 40 years ago. (I was coasting across the parade ground with my lights off and fell asleep!) Since then I have studiously resisted any suggestion of running, including father’s races and especially long distance running.

This year, however, I have unwittingly been coerced into running a half marathon at Lewa Downs in Kenya in aid of Tusk Trust on 25th June.

I'm still not sure why, particularly as the rest of the “Steppes Team” seem to have vaporised. Aside from the resident wildlife lining the marathon route (lions, rhino, leopard, elephant etc.) Lewa is at 6,000ft above sea level creating a shortage of breathable air before I take a step.

I have updated my will, written next year's Steppes brochure and now all that is left is to send this letter to every person I have ever met in my life (and some I have not) pleading for a donation to support Tusk Trust. For those unfamiliar with their work in Africa do take a moment to visit the website at www.tusk.org. Charlie Mayhew, the founder, is an inspiration to all, and his blue print for empowering Africa is a refreshing alternative to the incessant short term pleas for aid we see in the media.

While I am very happy to receive bank cheques, CAF cheques, live chickens or lumps of silver, the most convenient way to donate is through the web page I have set up or alternatively a cheque or CAF cheque made payable to Tusk Trust can be sent to my office at Steppes Travel, 51 Castle Street, Cirencester GL7 5ET.

Your generosity will be rewarded by a signed photograph from the stretcher bearers."

Thank you.

Nick