On Saturday 19th November, in the foyer of the NSC, Kathryn Williams, 36, from Onchan, will undertake her biggest physical challenge to date. She is swapping her wheelchair for an exercise bike to cycle 45 miles, in a "Virtual Parish Walk"! About a year ago, she was on a mission to get fit at the NSC gym and trying to find a focus for her effort and training. It was whilst there, she thought of doing a sponsored cycle for a friend's extended family in Uganda, helping them as well as herself.
Kathryn became friends with Andrew Wansonele in 2012/13 when he was on the Isle of Man working with Scripture Union Ministries Trust, going into local schools and helping to run the youth group at St Ninian's Church, where she was also assisting. "Andrew was a real role model to the young people there and an inspiration to them, as well as the adult leaders and helpers!"
While on the Island, he was helped by a number of local people to learn how to start a business, in preparation for his return home.
Since returning to Uganda, he has married Sarah and they have a daughter Isobel. He has set up a number of small businesses including an Internet shop in Kampala, supporting university students. He is hoping to start a business with his uncle, involving chickens, in the near future!
Services in Uganda have to be paid for. As educated people, Andrew and Sarah are expected to provide for their wider family, this means paying for education costs and very high medical bills.They have already helped build an outside toilet for Sarah's mother and all the children she cares for. Andrew's grandmother also looks after numerous children with no income. Some of the family are HIV Positive and all live in poor conditions with no electricity or running water. The children are often malnourished, poorly clothed, have no shoes and do not even know what a toy looks like!
Kathryn continues, "Andrew, Sarah and Isobel live in two small rented rooms with no fridge, no hot water and only charcoal to cook on. There are many everyday items which we on the Isle of Man, take for granted. Andrew and Sarah and their family do not have that opportunity. I would like to help them ."
The idea of a virtual parish walk came about because Andrew completed the Parish Walk when he was here and Kathryn felt inspired by it. She says: "Not many complete the Parish Walk, even fewer at the first attempt!"
Kathryn is not trying to cycle 85 miles! "45 miles will be the equivalent of reaching Jurby, which has a personal meaning for me. Jurby Junk was a particular favourite place of my Grandad's to visit, whenever he was on the Island!"
"I am very grateful to the NSC for allowing me to attempt to do this, they all think I'm mad but they have been very supportive!"
She says:"I want this to be a really positive event, so even if you think I'm totally bonkers, please come along from 1pm and cheer me on!"
If anyone would like to sponsor Kathryn, she can be contacted on 35320, kathrynwilliams@manx.net, Facebook @virtualparishcycle or Twitter @onchankathryn.
Photo - Andrew (striped t-shirt) and his family.
