Jeff Rodrigues

[p] The [i]PrudentialRideLondon[/i] has been cancelled this year because of the pandemic…but instead fundraisers will be doing Prudential[b]My[/b]Ride. For me, that means that I will ride my distance but I’ll do it on my own and across southern Sussex on the 15th or 16th (depending on weather) August. Prudential will support the riders –you can download their app- with bib, number, etc.[/p][p]I am fundraising for the Topsy Foundation UK: helping our 20-year old independent sister organisation in South Africa provide developmental support for children and orphans and their families in Mpumalanga Province. Topsy SA supports around 2000 children by helping 27 Play & Learn Centres develop the childrens’ cognitive, emotional, physical and social skills. There is also monthly health screening. The Foundation provides seeds and the help of a trained gardener to people in the communities who work hundreds of gardens. These provide fresh vegetables for 6000 people a month. There is also investment in Topsy staff development and for those in the pre-schools, through training, mentoring and Early Child Development practitioner programmes.[/p][p]Covid19 has been tough for all of us. Me too –I’ve been shielding since 14th March, keeping in my house and garden (I was not even able to hold my new granddaughter). But it’s been really hard for the children and families of Mpumalanga. Realising what was likely to happen when Covid-related regulations were introduced, Topsy SA released a large proportion of the seed stocks, allowing community gardeners to be prepared. Staff are furloughed but 9 have key worker status. This has allowed parts of the work to continue, including food and hygiene product distribution to hundreds of vulnerable families. We’re managing but on a really precarious basis.[/p][p]I’m coming out of shielding to fundraise. I’ll be on my own so no risk of infection. I have a short time to train but, hey, I’m a fit 71 year old… and 50 miles is not huge [i]and[/i] I have been cycling on a stationery bike 3 or 4 times a week for months so I’ll be fine! I aim do it in less than 4 hours.[/p][p][b]Please support me[/b]! By clicking on the donate button above. Don’t forget to complete the tax bit –it increases the value of your donation by 25%.[/p]