Transform a Community with Safe Water

This is my third fundraiser for Surge for Water and I can truly be grateful for what we have and how we can give back and help others.

I am totally astonished the sums of money being spent to develop travel to space whilst over 2 billion people do not have clean running water. I constantly ask - why don't they help these people first?

I have a long history with Surge. In 2019, I ran the London Marathon (in 4:04), raising $10,000. In 2020, I ran the Dubai Marathon in sub 4 (3:59:09). And for my 50th birthday, I ran 50 kilometers in 50 degree heat in Dubai, raising over $12,000.

This time, I will be running the ultramarathon Two Oceans in South Africa. At 56 kilometers, this is the longest I have ever tried! My goal is to raise $12,500 to drill a new well in Uganda.

My last marathon - a qualifier for the ultramarathon Two Oceans

Water Issues in Kaberamaido & Kalaki, Uganda

Across Kaberamaido and Kalaki, similar to the rest of the world, it's estimated that 5 out of 10 wells are broken. Many communities rely on contaminated springs and lake water that are often highly polluted and filled with debris. Besides being polluted, animals also graze at these water sources, making the water unsafe to drink.

Some water users walk 3 to 4 kilometers to fetch water from wells across the region, putting significant pressure on existing water sources. This large demand leads to significant congestion and long lines resulting in missed school, household and work opportunities.  

Students collect water from an open spring in Uganda

Build a Well: 700+ People will have Safe Water

With your help, we will drill a well in a community identified to have the next greatest need. Drilling a new well brings safe water to a community that needs it most, while relieving pressure from existing water sources.

By building a new well, over 700 people will gain access to safe water close to home. Safe water gives the the gift of time and a chance at improved health, education, income, and overall well-being for generations to come!

A community celebrates their new well in Uganda!

About Kaberamaido & Kalaki Districts

Kaberamaido and Kalaki Districts in Eastern Uganda, home to over 220,000 people is often self-described as a "forgotten" land. Heavily contaminated lake water and unprotected springs are the main drinking water sources. Additionally, in this district 80% live below the poverty line, 11% are orphans and vulnerable children, and 7% are living as HIV positive. While over 70% of the population depends on agriculture for their livelihoods, hunger is pervasive. 

About Surge's Work

Surge for Water invests in communities with safe water, sanitation, hygiene and menstrual health solutions to help end the cycle of poverty. The organization’s community-led, women-centered approach has impacted over 1 million people across 12 countries, leading to improvements in health, education, income, and a chance for a better future.