Raising money for children’s hospices in Scotland and a feeding scheme in Cape Town by walking from Lands End to John O’Groats
England cricketer Allan Lamb and rugby Springbok Rob Louw, old classmates, have rallied to this cause
Kennaird Stradlin Barrett. a tough South African commercial fisherman with distant Scottish links, starts walking north from Lands End to John O’Groats on May 13th, with the image of Scottish children with life threatening conditions (and their families) ever in his mind’s eye.
This charitable venture into the unknown started one evening at his home in Cape Town as he watched a TV programme on the work of Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS). Profoundly moved, he vowed to do his bit to help, called on in part by his Christian faith.
Two of Kenny’s former school classmates England cricketer Allan Lamb and rugby Springbok, Rob Louw have both offered their help, support and encouragement.
Speaking before his departure Kenny says: “I’m walking to raise funds for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland, (CHAS) because I am in awe and inspired by the work they do with terminally ill children. Having seen a TV documentary in South Africa, about CHAS and in particular their work at Robin House, one of their hospices, I felt driven to do something to help.”
“I have dreamt of doing this walk since seeing that inspiring programme. The distance is around 1,000 miles I’m told. I will be sleeping in a tent when off the beaten track and some nights be sleeping in a little camper van with my wife Linda, who will be seconding and supporting me.
Allan Lamb former England Cricketer says of his friend: “ I have known Kenny since school days and was in his class for 5 years, since moving to the UK in the 70’s I have totally lost touch with Kenny but I have just heard from my old friend Rob Louw what Kenny has set out to achieve: The Lands’ End to John O’Grouts in not for the faint hearted or man of 64! But Kenny is a tough and nothing will get in his way. I would like to wish him and Linda all the best in raising funds and awareness for CHAS this fantastic charity caring for Scottish children.”
Rob Louw, former rugby Springbok, says of his friend Kenny: “I have known Kenny since school days, and was in his class for five years. Kenny has always been a fisherman by trade. He has a huge passion for the outdoors and nature. To do this trip from the south of England to Scotland on foot for a man of 63 will take roughly two months. His wife Linda will be seconding him on this trip. When not fishing I know that Kenny does hikes and walks in the Cape Point Nature reserve. Hopefully this fitness will assist him to achieve his dream of helping these children whose lives are tragically being cut short.”
Samantha Reilly, Senior Community Fundraiser for CHAS comments: ”On behalf of CHAS thank you so, so much Kenny for supporting us in this amazing way. You are taking on a huge challenge and you should be proud of yourself as your efforts will enable CHAS to support families as they face their most challenging times.”
Children’s Hospices Across Scotland, (CHAS) cares for Scottish children with life-shortening conditions and their families. They make sure that no matter how short their time together may be, it is filled with happiness. “Even in the pain of grief, we’re determined that joy lives on,” says CHAS.
Kenny has set up a Crowdfunding page for those who wish to support his walk to raise funds for CHAS and Ukama Feeding Scheme in Capricorn Park, Cape Town, see: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/kenny-barrett
He will be giving updates on his journey when he sets out. Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.
Another beneficiary of Kenny’s walk cross the UK will be an incredible Children’s Charity Ukama in Cape Town that feeds over 400 children a day. Kenny says: “My son and daughter-in-law support the awesome Cape Town Charity Ukama and I feel the need to also help these impoverished children as well.”
