Marafun 2016: great fun, great fund-raising

Over 500 participants ran a combined total of 5000 miles at the Marafun on 7th May

Ably assisted by 75 marshals and helpers, the day was voted a great success by the runners.

Stuart French, who completed a half-marathon, wrote: "A big thank you to the excellent organisers and marshals for helping us all on a very hot day. It was tough in the heat but they really helped keep us runners going."

As well as raising several thousand pounds for Footsteps, Clive Doubleday of Smile International thank us for helping them raise funds for their charity, too: "Thank you for a BRILLIANT  day on Saturday! Our SMILE international team of 4 raised over £1000 for our work around the world which is a real blessing. 

Great day          Great weather         Great fun       Great work

Essential maintenance completed

It's rather boring...but very essential!

Looking after our assets is a fact of life. If we want homes for needy children and schools for them to attend we need buildings. And the simple fact is that buildings need attention from time to time to keep them working.
The Tumaini high school roofs have just had a lick of paint. The photo - taken midway through the job - shows clearly what a difference it has made.
A gift of a few hundred pounds means that the roofs are good to go for another 5 years - protecting the children from the harsh Mombasa climate as they study! 

Fruit of our labour

Kamau and Daniel lived on the streets of Naivasha for years, scrounging for a living at the back of a small hotel, and frequently in trouble with the police. Then, in 2004, they were both offered places at our newly-opened Sunshine Centre. And their lives changed...

Kamau, Jennifer, Veronica and Victor

With a safe place to sleep, a warm bed to sleep on, and plenty of good food, Kamau and Daniel thrived. While Daniel re-started school, Kamau enrolled on a welding course at Naivasha Polytechnic.

The years rolled by and both did well. Kamau found work driving cars and Daniel completed a teacher training degree.

Daniel with Lydia and Mike

During their recent visit to Kenya, Footsteps trustees Martin and Mary Print met up with both young men. Kamau is building houses for rent, and Daniel is working as a stock supervisor at a builders' merchant in town. And, most special of all, both have wives and children! 

How encouraging is that!

From street boy to cool dude!

This cool-looking young man is Cyrus Waweru. When he lived on the streets, he had no idea that one day he would be about to graduate from university with a degree in Business and Information Technology.
"Currently I am proceeding with my internship in a government institution which has been a great experience. I'm getting the opportunity to practice what I have been learning in the campus, meeting different people and interacting with some of the most prominent people in my country. It has been an amazing experience."
When Cyrus's internship ends, he is hoping to get a good job - despite the challenging unemployment situation in Kenya at the moment.  "I believe that God will make a way," Cyrus says. Amen!

Marafun registration is open!

The next Orpington MARAFUN is on Saturday 7th May, 2016.

It will be our 12th Marafun this year, and there are great events for EVERY age and level of fitness:

Full Marathon   (10.30 start)

Half Marathon (11.30 start) – NOTE THE NEW START TIME

10k (12.30 start) – NOTE THE NEW START TIME

PLUS the Half-marathon Walk (10.30), the 2k (2.30) and 4k   (3.00)   

For more details, and to register for the event of your choice, visit www.marafun.co.uk

Last year’s participants said:

“The friendliest marshals in the world!”

“The marshals were always smiling and so encouraging. It made a huge difference.”

“Superbly organised”

“Great course!

Over recent years the Marafun has raised nearly £100,000 to help our street children and orphans!

Register now for our popular day of fun and fund-raising for good causes!

Christmas chickens delivered!

Each Christmas, Footsteps offers MAD Cards - the alternative to useless gifts! This is proof the gifts get where they are needed most!

The photos show poor people in the Naivasha area receiving their chicken gifts. They can lay eggs, produce chicks, and (eventually) make a tasty meal!!

Former street boys benefit from laptop donation

Once David Ouko lived on the streets. But today he is at college with a wonderful opportunity of getting a good job when he finishes. 

UK based Computers 4 Africa kindly provided a donation of 8 laptops, so David (and 7 other former street boys) can now press on to achieve top marks!

The photo shows David receiving his laptop from Sunshine social worker Simon Kuria.